Major League Soccer has fined Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi for striking Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a heated 2-2 draw between the teams on Wednesday.

The league’s Disciplinary Committee imposed an undisclosed financial penalty on the Argentine superstar for violating MLS rules governing contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.

The incident occurred late in the match at Subaru Park, when Messi approached Sullivan during a confrontation away from the immediate play. Video showed Messi making contact with the back of Sullivan’s neck with an open hand.

Messi was not sent off during the match, and the league ultimately opted for a fine rather than a suspension.

Inter Miami teammate Ian Fray was also fined for the same type of violation following the match.

The disciplinary action came after a tense encounter that ended 2-2. Messi scored for Inter Miami, his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month, while the result ended Miami’s three-game losing streak.

Sullivan, 22, is a Philadelphia Union homegrown midfielder who returned to MLS action in 2026 after a lengthy injury absence.

The match also featured further late-game confrontations involving players from both teams, adding to an already heated contest.

Messi’s fine means he avoids a suspension and remains available for Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS fixture.