The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee has issued an undisclosed fine to Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi. The league announced the penalty following an incident where the superstar violated MLS rules regarding hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent.
The physical altercation occurred in the 101st minute of Wednesday's match in Chester, where Inter Miami played to a 2-2 draw against the host Philadelphia Union.
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined by the league for committing the same violation. Tensions rose deep into second-half stoppage time during the match, resulting in red cards for Miami's Yannick Bright and Philadelphia's Cavan Sullivan.
However, Sullivan received positive news on Friday when his one-game suspension and the associated fine were overturned. The Independent Review Panel—composed of a representative from US Soccer, a representative from Canada Soccer, and an independent representative chosen by the Professional Referee Organization—voted unanimously to rescind the red card from the 102nd-minute incident.
With the successful appeal, Sullivan is cleared to play in Philadelphia's upcoming match on Saturday against Austin FC. MLS teams are permitted two unsuccessful appeals per season, including the playoffs; because Philadelphia's appeal was successful, they retain both of their unsuccessful appeals for the 2026 season.
In other league discipline, Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman was fined an undisclosed sum for failing to leave the pitch in a timely manner after receiving a red card in the 56th minute of Wednesday's 3-3 draw against visiting Charlotte FC. Additionally, Minnesota United FC defender Anthony Markanich was fined for simulation and embellishment during the
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