Lionel Messi, Ian Fray fined for conduct during Philadelphia Union-Inter Miami brawl; Cavan Sullivan's red card is rescinded

After a routine game between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday turned into an all-out brawl, MLS is handing down more punishments — and easing others. Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount after getting his hands in the face or neck area of an opposing player, the league announced Friday. Messi’s teammate Ian Fray has been penalized for the same action. MLS also announced that Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, who had received a red card after the climactic fight between the two teams in the final minutes of the game, has had the card rescinded. During the heated match, Messi struck Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan in the back of the head, sparking a confrontation where the two went forehead-to-forehead. 🚨🚨| JUST IN: Lionel Messi tapped Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck before confronting him head-on. This action will now be evaluated by the Disciplinary Committee. [ @Jarm21 ] pic.twitter.com/nKRRYjif2b — CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 20, 2026 The bulk of the action, however, came in the 12th minute of second-half stoppage time of the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw . Quinn Sullivan went down after a chippy collision in the box; Fray then seemed to grab at Sullivan’s head as he stepped over him, leading Sullivan to flip Fray to the ground. Cavan quickly ran in to defend Quinn and ended up skirmishing with Miami’s Yannick Bright, who seemingly struck him in the face more than once, with Cavan gripping the front of Bright’s jersey. Tempers flared at the end of Philly-Miami 😳 Cavan Sullivan and Yannick Bright were both sent off with reds at the end of the draw. (📺 MLS on Apple TV) pic.twitter.com/k9mwXbfkFZ — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 20, 2026 Quinn Sullivan, 22, and Cavan Sullivan, 16 are brothers; both grew up in the Philadelphia Union academy system before signing with the senior team. Cavan made history after signing a four-year deal with Philadelphia when he was just 14 years old. Touching the head or neck of an opposing player is a big no-no in soccer, and is usually punished harshly regardless of intention. Cavan Sullivan’s rescinded red card means that his one-game suspension has also been taken back, and that he will be available as Philadelphia takes on Austin on Saturday. Bright’s suspension or red card, however, has not been lifted. He will miss Miami’s game against Toronto on Saturday.