Lionel Messi could face disciplinary action after an incident involving Philadelphia Union youngster Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s MLS clash on Wednesday. Messi was seen tapping Sullivan on the back of the neck before the two players confronted each other head-on. The incident did not result in an immediate red card for Messi, but it has now drawn attention from the MLS Disciplinary Committee, which will review the available footage before deciding whether further action is warranted. The moment came during a heated encounter between the two sides, with emotions running high as the match progressed.
A suspension is not automatic, however. Under MLS disciplinary rules, the committee can review incidents that officials did not see and impose additional punishment where the evidence warrants it. The league’s guidelines specifically cover contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck, with at least a fine possible for such conduct. A suspension can also be imposed if the committee determines that an incident is serious enough to warrant it. Messi has previously been fined by MLS for grabbing an opponent’s neck, after an incident involving New York City FC in 2025. The latest episode will therefore be closely watched, but Messi’s fate will depend on the committee’s assessment of the incident and the available video evidence.
“Simply magic”: Lionel Messi leaves fans stunned with another spectacular goal for Inter Miami in MLS
Lionel Messi has once again given football fans something to talk about after producing another moment of magic for Inter Miami. The Argentine superstar found the net with a brilliant individual effort. It drew widespread praise and fresh claims that the strike could be one of the best goals of the year. Messi’s ability to create something from seemingly nothing was on full display. He combined close control, quick movement and his trademark left foot to leave defenders struggling to keep up. It was the kind of goal that has become synonymous with Messi throughout his career, even as he continues to perform at the highest level in MLS. His form has remained a major talking point since joining Inter Miami, where he has repeatedly delivered spectacular moments and helped transform the club’s profile.
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The goal also sparked plenty of admiration from those watching, with Messi’s latest effort being described as “the best goal of the year”. That reaction says plenty about the standards the 39-year-old continues to set. Messi has already produced countless memorable goals during his career, from his Barcelona days to his time with Argentina and now Inter Miami. He has also continued to add to his remarkable numbers in the United States, including becoming the fastest player to reach 100 MLS goal contributions in 2026. For Inter Miami, having Messi capable of producing moments like this remains a huge advantage, while for fans, it is another reminder that the Argentine can still make the extraordinary look almost effortless.
