Lionel Messi could face disciplinary action from Major League Soccer after an off-the-ball incident involving Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.
Messi had already been at the centre of an emotional night. The 39-year-old scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and also registered an assist as Miami ended a three-match losing run.
But footage from the second half has created another major talking point.
During an exchange with Sullivan, Messi appeared to make contact with the back of the Philadelphia player’s head or neck before the pair confronted each other face-to-face.
No red card was shown for the incident during the match. However, the sequence is now under scrutiny from the MLS Disciplinary Committee, meaning Messi could still face retrospective action.
What punishment could Messi receive?
At this stage, no punishment has officially been announced.
FOX Sports reports that Messi faces a potential fine, while beIN Sports says the MLS Disciplinary Committee is considering possible punishment for the incident.
A financial penalty appears to be one possible outcome, although a suspension has also been discussed under the league’s disciplinary rules.
That distinction is important.
Messi has not been suspended, and reports suggesting he will definitely miss Inter Miami’s next game would be premature. The league must first decide whether the contact with Sullivan deserves additional punishment.
For now, the Inter Miami captain remains under investigation rather than officially sanctioned.
A dramatic night for Messi and Inter Miami
The controversy added another layer to an already eventful match.
Philadelphia took the lead through Indiana Vassilev before Dániel Pintér equalised for Miami. Messi then made it 2-1 in the 26th minute, finishing with his left foot for his 13th MLS goal of the season.
It was a particularly emotional moment because it was Messi’s first goal since Jorge Messi passed away on August 8. His teammates immediately surrounded him after the finish.
Philadelphia later equalised through Neil Pierre, and tensions continued to rise as the game entered stoppage time.
A separate confrontation near the end resulted in red cards for Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan’s younger brother, and Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright. Quinn himself received a yellow card.
Messi’s confrontation with Quinn was separate from the incident that produced those two red cards, but video of the earlier exchange quickly attracted attention after the final whistle.
Inter Miami now wait for the MLS decision
The timing could be significant for Inter Miami.
Messi remains central to their ambitions this season and had just rediscovered his scoring touch after a difficult spell for both himself and the team.
Any suspension would therefore leave Miami without their captain at an important stage of the MLS campaign.
But until the disciplinary process is complete, the situation remains simple.
Messi could be punished. He has not been punished yet.
After a night in which he scored an emotional goal, provided an assist and helped Inter Miami stop their losing streak, attention has now shifted away from what Messi did with the ball.
The next major development could come from the MLS Disciplinary Committee.
