Messi’s At It Again: Neck Tap On Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan Now Under MLS Disciplinary Review
Lionel Messi delivered on the pitch yet again in Inter Miami’s draw with Philadelphia Union but it’s a moment away from the ball that’s now generating headlines. During the second half, Messi tapped young Philadelphia midfielder Cavan Sullivan on the back of the head before confronting him face-to-face, and the incident is now officially in the hands of MLS’s Disciplinary Committee.
What Happened On The Pitch
The confrontation unfolded during the second half of the draw between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union. According to reporting from journalist José Armando of Deporte Total USA and Claro Sports, Messi gave Cavan Sullivan a tap to the back of the head before the two squared up in a tense, direct exchange. The Disciplinary Committee is now set to evaluate the incident, with the most likely outcome expected to be a fine — though league rules technically allow for a suspension depending on how the review concludes.
This Isn’t Messi’s First Run-In With This Exact Rule
If this situation feels familiar, that’s because it is. Back in February 2025, Messi was fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for a nearly identical offence putting his hand on the back of the neck of New York City FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy following a heated 2-2 draw, an incident that came just moments after Messi had already received a yellow card for arguing with the referee. That same night, his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez was separately fined for pinching the back of the neck of NYCFC defender Birk Risa during a half-time confrontation.
Both incidents were judged under MLS’s specific “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” policy the exact same rule now under consideration for this latest clash with Sullivan. Given that Messi has already been fined once under this precise regulation, this new incident is likely to be viewed by the league as part of a repeat pattern rather than an isolated flashpoint.
Why This Keeps Happening
Messi’s flashes of frustration on the pitch, while rare compared to his usual composed demeanor, tend to surface specifically in moments of high tension contested calls, physical opposition play, or heated verbal exchanges that boil over in the аdrenaline of a closely fought match. The Philadelphia game fits that pattern, with the confrontation emerging from an already charged second half.
What Happens Next
Given the precedent set by the Ballouchy incident, an undisclosed fine appears the most probable outcome once MLS’s Disciplinary Committee completes its review, though the league retains the option to impose a suspension under its policy if it determines the offence warrants it. Inter Miami have not yet issued any public statement on the incident as of the latest reports.
Wahala Network Take
Say what you want about Messi’s genius on the ball off it, this is now a genuine pattern MLS clearly has on its radar. First Ballouchy, now Cavan Sullivan the neck-tap seems to be Messi’s go-to move when tempers flare. Whether the league lets this one slide with just a fine again, or finally reaches for something stronger, remains to be seen.
