Lionel Messi Punished Over Incident Involving Bangladesh-Born Sullivan

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) following a heated incident involving Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan, who is of Bangladeshi heritage. MLS confirmed the punishment but did not disclose the amount of the fine.

The incident occurred late in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union on Thursday, Aug. 20. After a heated exchange between the players, Messi appeared to strike Sullivan on the back of the neck, leading to disciplinary action from the league.

Sullivan is a member of the well-known “Sullivan brothers” family among Bangladeshi football fans. His younger brother, Cavan Sullivan, also made an impact for Philadelphia during the same match.

The game became increasingly heated in the closing stages. Cavan Sullivan and Inter Miami’s Yannick Bright were both shown red cards after becoming involved in a confrontation. However, after an independent MLS review panel reconsidered the incident, Cavan’s red card and one-match suspension were later rescinded.

Another tense moment involved Inter Miami’s Ian Fray. When Quinn Sullivan went down while attempting to enter the penalty area with the ball, Fray grabbed him around the neck, adding to the growing tension on the field.

Despite the controversy, the match carried special emotional significance for Messi. It was his first appearance since the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The Argentine superstar marked his return with a goal and also provided an assist for another goal.

Messi’s performance was overshadowed, however, by the late-game incident involving Sullivan. The episode has now resulted in a fine from MLS, putting the Argentine superstar at the center of another disciplinary controversy.