Messi fined, Sullivan gets reprieve

The MLS Disciplinary Committee fined Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy on hands to the face, head or neck of an opponent, while Philadelphia Union defender Cavan Sullivan -- who has Bangladeshi heritage -- had his one-game suspension and accompanying fine rescinded on Friday.

The incident involving Messi occurred in the 101st minute of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with the host Philadelphia Union on Wednesday in Chester, Pennsylvania. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for the same violation.

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Tempers flared deep into second-half stoppage time, with Miami’s Yannick Bright and Philadelphia’s Sullivan shown red cards.

Sullivan got good news Friday, as the Independent Review Panel unanimously voted in his favour over the incident in the 102nd minute, rescinding his one-game suspension and accompanying fine.

The panel consisted of one representative from U.S. Soccer, one representative from Canada Soccer and one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization.

Sullivan is now eligible to play for the Union in their next match, on Saturday at Austin FC. Each MLS club is entitled to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including the league playoffs. Philadelphia, successful in its appeal over Sullivan’s red card, still has two unsuccessful appeals for 2026.

MLS also fined Toronto FC defender Walker Zimmerman an undisclosed amount for failing to leave the field in a timely manner after being shown a red card in the 56th minute of a 3-3 home draw with Charlotte FC on Wednesday.

Minnesota United FC defender Anthony Markanich was fined for violating league policy on simulation/embellishment in the 71st minute of a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United on Wednesday.