Messi faces MLS fine after swiping at Sullivan as Inter Miami draw extends winless run

Lionel Messi faces a potential fine from Major League Soccer after video footage showed him tapping Philadelphia Union forward Quinn Sullivan on the back of the head during a stoppage-time confrontation in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park on Wednesday.

Under MLS competition guidelines, any individual who contacts the face, head, or neck of an opponent in a manner that incites or escalates a confrontation is subject to a minimum fine. The MLS Disciplinary Committee will review the incident.

The flashpoint came in the 104th minute. Miami defender Ian Fray stepped over Quinn Sullivan, causing the two players to tangle and fall to the ground. Sullivan’s younger brother, Cavan, then intervened and scuffled with Miami midfielder Yannick Bright. The referee issued red cards to both Cavan Sullivan and Bright for violent conduct before Messi’s involvement drew further scrutiny.

Before the late chaos, Messi had been the story for better reasons. He scored his first goal since the August 8 death of his father, then added a second just five minutes later to bring his career tally to 922 goals — the second finish coming after he moved past defender Kai Wagner.

Despite those two goals from the reigning MLS MVP, Miami could not hold on for the win. The club is now on a four-match winless run that also includes two defeats in the Leagues Cup and a loss to Nashville.

Inter Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference standings, seven points behind Nashville, with their grip on a top position looking increasingly fragile.