Lionel Messi At Center Of Inter Miami-Philadelphia Union Scuffle, Faces Potential Fine

Despite winning all there is to win in soccer, sometimes even the GOAT can lose his cool in the heat of competition.

Lionel Messi faces a potential fine from Major League Soccer after swiping at the head of Philadelphia Union forward Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park.

Video from Wednesday shows Messi tapping Sullivan on the back of the head during a confrontation.

According to MLS competition guidelines, any individual that was seen contacting the face, head, or neck of an opponent in a manner that incites or escalates a confrontation will receive a minimum of a fine. The MLS Disciplinary Committee reviews such incidents.

The contact occurred amid an altercation in stoppage time. In the 104th minute, Miami defender Ian Fray stepped over Quinn Sullivan, leading the two players to tangle and fall to the ground. Sullivan’s younger brother, Cavan, intervened and scuffled with Miami midfielder Yannick Bright. 

The referee issued red cards to both Cavan Sullivan and Bright for violent conduct.

Before the incident late in stoppage time, Messi provided the offense for Miami. He scored his first goal since the August 8 death of his father, then added a second goal five minutes later to reach 922 career goals. He moved past defender Kai Wagner for the second finish.

Despite two goals from the reigning MVP, Miami failed to secure a victory. The club is on a four-match winless streak, which includes two losses in the Leagues Cup and a recent loss to Nashville. 

Miami remains in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, seven points behind Nashville.