Lionel Messi avoids suspension, fined by MLS for Quinn Sullivan incident ahead of Toronto FC clash

Lionel Messi has avoided a suspension after the MLS Disciplinary Committee completed its review of his midweek incident with Quinn Sullivan, confirming the Inter Miami captain will be available for Saturday’s match against Toronto FC.

According to journalist José Armando, Messi received only an economic sanction as a result of the review, closing the book on a situation that had cast doubt over his availability for the upcoming fixture.

The incident stemmed from Inter Miami‘s 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union, when Messi appeared to make contact with Sullivan’s head during a heated second-half confrontation.

While a one-match ban had been floated as a possibility under league rules, the committee ultimately determined a fine was the appropriate outcome, consistent with how MLS has handled similar hands-to-the-head incidents involving Messi in the past. The amount of the fine has not been disclosed.

With the disciplinary matter now resolved, Messi is set to lead Inter Miami into Saturday’s clash against Toronto FC as the team looks to snap its recent slide and get back on track in the MLS standings.

MLS also rules on the Cavan Sullivan and Ian Fray incident

The Disciplinary Committee’s review didn’t stop at Messi. The MLS also rescinded the red card shown to Cavan Sullivan for his role in the stoppage-time scuffle with Yannick Bright, while Ian Fray was hit with an economic fine for his part in sparking the confrontation.

Bright, however, still holds his red card, and his potential suspension remains unresolved. Based on precedent, the punishment for physical altercations of this kind has typically landed between two and three matches: Sergio Busquets received a two-game ban for punching Obed Vargas in the face at the 2025 Leagues Cup final. MLS is expected to announce Bright’s sanction in the coming hours.