Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was fined by MLS’s disciplinary committee for striking Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck in stoppage time of a 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union.

Quinn Sullivan’s 16-year-old brother Cavan Sullivan also figured in the match; his red card was overturned on review by an Independent Review Panel, restoring his eligibility to play.

The review kept Messi’s playing status intact for upcoming MLS fixtures, with no suspension issued for the incident.

As both teams head into congested schedules, the focus remains on discipline and preparation to stay competitive.

The report is dated August 22, 2026, and is attributed to Radio NewsHub, with publication also noting the AP/MLS coverage.

Reporting on the incident is drawn from The Associated Press via MLS coverage on Fox Sports.

Inter Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference with 39 points from 20 matches, seven back of Nashville SC, while Philadelphia Union balance a tight schedule in pursuit of improvement.

The Union, under interim coach Ryan Richter, extended an unbeaten run to five games entering the match, intensifying the rivalry’s stakes.

Cavan Sullivan’s status directly affects Union’s lineup for upcoming dates, including a match against Austin FC.

MLS rules allow teams two appeals per season; this was the Union’s second successful overturn this season, illustrating the ongoing appeals process.

Indiana Vassilev opened the Union’s scoring in the match, with Neil Pierre equalizing for Miami in the second half, part of a back-and-forth draw.

The outcome of the disciplinary review could influence future sanctions and the timing of Messi’s availability for MLS action.