Lionel Messi is under investigation by the MLS Disciplinary Committee following an off-the-ball confrontation with Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union. Video footage captured the Argentine striking the back of his opponent's head, leaving the Herons captain vulnerable to a potential fine or a one-game ban.
A high-intensity 2-2 draw between Miami and Union saw tensions boil over during a heated second half. Messi, who had earlier found the net, became embroiled in an off-the-ball altercation with Quinn Sullivan as the Herons pushed to regain the lead. Although Quinn's younger brother Cavan Sullivan was later sent off in stoppage time following a separate clash with Yannick Bright, the incident involving the Argentine icon remained the main talking point.
On-pitch friction escalated rapidly after Union drew level and confrontations between both sets of players grew increasingly frequent. Video footage circulating across social media showed Messi striking the back of Quinn's head with an open hand before the pair squared up. The match referee took no action against the Miami captain at the time, leaving the altercation open to retrospective review by league officials.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee now possesses full authority to examine the match footage and determine whether retrospective sanctions are warranted against the former Barcelona forward. If found guilty of violent conduct away from the ball, Messi could be hit with a financial fine or a one-match suspension. Losing their talismanic playmaker would represent a significant blow to the Herons as they look to mount a sustained push at the top of the Eastern Conference.