According to Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total, Messi officially received a fine for the midweek incident with Sullivan. The Inter Miami captain was not the only player involved from the squad.

According to a report from the Miami Herald, teammate Ian Fray will also be fined an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent during the match. It marks a rare situation to see the Argentine star involved in such an altercation.

What happened between Messi and Sullivan?

Intensity built as the second half progressed, with Philadelphia scoring an equalizer. Inter Miami tried to find space to regain the lead, but the flow of the game led to growing frustration and multiple clashes among players.

That atmosphere set the stage for the incident between Quinn and Messi. Following an exchange between the two, the Argentine reacted by slapping the back of his opponent’s head with his open palm. The players briefly squared off before play resumed.

Another on-field altercation

Meanwhile, Cavan Sullivan was later sent off following a separate altercation, this time involving Yannick Bright during the closing minutes. However, his red card will be overturned.

According to Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald, a panel unanimously voted to rescind the red card, one-game suspension, and fine issued to Cavan Sullivan in the 90+12 minute, clearing him to play in the next match for Philadelphia Union.

Journalist Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total reposted video footage showing Messi slapping a Philadelphia Union player during a tense moment in the match. According to Rodriguez, the Herons’ captain could face a one-game suspension from MLS alongside a fine.

Messi’s individual form has been steadily building back to the MVP level he displayed during Inter Miami‘s 2025 MLS Cup-winning campaign. Despite missing a penalty kick against Nashville SC on Matchday 20, Messi responded by scoring the equalizer to spark Miami’s comeback from a 1-0 deficit against Philadelphia.

However, the dropped points allowed Nashville SC to widen its lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. Following the draw, Inter Miami sit at 39 points, trailing first-place Nashville’s 46 points.

Has Messi ever been suspended for a physical altercation?

A potential ban would add another rare disciplinary mark to Messi’s career. During his time at Barcelona, he received his first club red card after striking Athletic Club forward Asier Villalibre late in extra time of the 2021 Supercopa final. Following a VAR review, the referee issued a straight red card for violent conduct, resulting in a two-match suspension.

Another high-profile incident occurred during the 2019 Copa America, when Messi engaged in a heated confrontation with Chile’s Gary Medel. Both players were sent off, earning Messi a one-match suspension and a $1,500 fine from CONMEBOL, which was extended to a three-month suspension from all international matches alongside a $50,000 fine due to Messi’s post-game comments against the governing body.

Could Messi miss Inter Miami’s next match?

While Messi’s strike against Philadelphia wasn’t a full-blown punch, league officials strictly enforce violent conduct policies, and slapping an opponent is a clear violation MLS Disciplinary Committee members will review.

If MLS opts to hand down a suspension, Messi will miss Saturday’s home match against Toronto FC at Nu Stadium. Any potential absence would be a significant blow for Miami as the club looks to climb the conference table in front of its home supporters.

Although Messi hinted at retirement from Inter Miami and Argentina in a heartfelt post dedicated to his late father, it’s hard to imagine soccer and MLS without him when he continues to put on stellar performances night in and night out. Against the Union, it’s been no different.

Inter Miami struggled to start the game, but all it took was for them to find Messi with some space. On one of his first touches, Messi delivered a brilliant lobbed cross for Luis Suarez, who headed the ball into the goal box for Daniel Pinter to push the ball into the back of the net and bring the score level.

Messi was still saving an ace up his sleeve. After receiving the ball inside the box, everyone at Subaru Park knew what was coming, but nobody could stop it. Messi, in typical fashion, cut inside to beat Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake with a precise, open-footed shot.

Messi’s celebration

Much speculation surrounded Messi’s first goal after the difficult stretch he had experienced. However, there was no special celebration planned. That is not to say it was not emotional in its own right.

As his teammates hugged him and offered words of encouragement and congratulations, Messi was mostly focused on giving out instructions, likely to avoid getting caught up in the moment and realizing just how special his latest goal had been.

Messi adds one more to his tally in Miami

Albeit facing plenty of adversity on and off the pitch, Messi continues to score and help the Herons time and again. With his goal against Philadelphia, Messi is now up to 13 goals in the 2026 MLS season.

Moreover, he continues to inch closer to the 100-goal mark for Inter Miami, with the Argentine now at 93 goals for the club in South Florida. As for his pursuit of 1,000 career goals, Messi has now reached 918 across Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami and Argentina.

How to watch Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami in the USA

Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami will be available to stream live on Apple TV in the United States. Starting in 2026, every MLS regular-season match is included with an Apple TV subscription, replacing the standalone MLS Season Pass.

Can I watch Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami for free?

Yes, eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami through a 7-day free trial. MLS and Apple currently advertise a seven-day trial for new subscribers, followed by a $12.99 monthly charge.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami meet at Subaru Park on Wednesday with three important MLS points on the line, but the stakes are very different for each side. Inter Miami enter the match near the top of the Eastern Conference with 38 points from 19 games (11W-5D-3L), while Philadelphia are down in 13th place and need a strong run to get back into the playoff picture.

For David Beckham’s club, the match is an opportunity to respond immediately after a 4-1 loss to Nashville SC that cost them ground in the Supporters’ Shield race. The result left Miami five points behind Nashville, meaning Guillermo Hoyos‘ team cannot afford to drop many more points if it wants to challenge for the top spot in the East.

Philadelphia have an even more urgent situation. The Union are currently outside the playoff positions, so every home match becomes increasingly important as the regular season progresses. The visit of Miami also gives Philadelphia a chance to make a statement against one of MLS’ biggest clubs and improve its position in the Eastern Conference.

Lionel Messi‘s availability is another major storyline. The Argentine has returned to action following the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a difficult personal period, but he did not score in his first appearances after returning. Hoyos has emphasized that Messi is feeling well and that the decision over his playing schedule ultimately depends on the star himself.

What time is the Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami match?

The match kicks off on Wednesday, August 19, at 7:30 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

Lionel Messi is expected to play tonight as Inter Miami takes on the Philadelphia Union in 2026 MLS Matchday 21 action. Despite the heartbreaking passing of his father a couple of weeks ago, the Argentine icon continues to demonstrate his remarkable professionalism, and fans packed into Subaru Park are set to see him take the field.

In fact, Messi was spotted smiling in photos taken prior to the team’s departure for Philadelphia, a encouraging sign of his commitment, even as fans express concern over his well-being following his family loss.

The Argentine star will be looking to bounce back after a frustrating outing against Nashville, where he uncharacteristically missed a penalty kick, his third consecutive failed attempt from the spot, drawing instant comparisons to rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent penalty struggles.

Predicted lineups for Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union

While fans eagerly anticipate Messi’s presence on the pitch, Inter Miami supporters are also hoping to see Luis Suarez in the starting XI tonight. On the other side, Philadelphia faithful are eager to see star defender Kai Wagner in action; both Wagner and Suarez are projected to start alongside Messi in tonight’s Philadelphia vs. Miami clash.

However, Inter Miami will be shorthanded, as both Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende have been ruled out. Messi’s national team teammate De Paul will serve a one-match suspension, while Allende remains sidelined with a knee injury.

With anticipation building for Messi’s appearance and Miami’s push to climb the MLS standings, Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union are set to kick off in a slate that features simultaneous matchups like New York Red Bulls vs. Nashville SC and Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire.

Subaru Park will host this highly anticipated matchup, which will pit the second-place team against the hosts, who currently sit 13th in the Eastern Conference. Guillermo Hoyos’ side has a great opportunity to bounce back.

The Union’s situation is completely different from that of their upcoming opponents. With just 19 points collected over 19 matches, interim head coach Ryan Richter’s side is fighting to climb out of the bottom of the standings.

Inter Miami’s starting XI

Inter Miami must win if they want to stay in contention for first place. Following their heavy away 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC, a team widely regarded as the best in MLS, the gap between the two teams has grown to five points.

This is the lineup Hoyos will be sending onto the pitch: Dayne St. Clair (GK); Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Gonzalo Lujan, Sergio Reguilon; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Daniel Pinter.

Rodrigo De Paul is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, which triggered an automatic one-game ban in the 2026 MLS season. Without him available, Hoyos and Inter Miami changed their tactical approach, taking one player out of midfield and having Pinter join Suarez and Messi in attack.

Philadelphia Union’s starting lineup vs Inter Miami

With the aim of securing a home win that would provide some much-needed breathing room at this stage of the season, these are the 11 players the Union will field against the Herons.

Andre Blake (GK) ; Frankie Westfield, Neil Pierre, Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner; Cavan Sullivan, Jesus Bueno, Danley Jean Jacques, Indiana Vassilev; Milan Iloski, Bruno Damiani.

Two top scorers on the field

Although FC Dallas striker Petar Musa is currently the MLS leading scorer with 14 goals, two players in this matchup are close behind. Lionel Messi has scored 12 goals, while Milan Iloski has found the net 10 times so far.

How to watch Cruz Azul vs Philadelphia Union in the USA

Fans in the United States will be able to watch Cruz Azul and the Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup on FOX Sports 1, TUDN USA and UniMás.

For streaming, the game will be available on Apple TV, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, FOX One and Fubo.

Can I watch Cruz Azul vs Philadelphia Union for free?

Yes! The easiest legal way to watch the match for free in the United States is through Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, which gives new eligible subscribers access to the FOX broadcast carrying the game.

If you’re an eligible new Apple TV subscriber, you may be able to take advantage of the 7-day free trial, depending on your account status and any current promotional offers. Availability varies by account and region.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Cruz Azul enters as one of Liga MX’s top-ranked representatives, while Philadelphia qualified after winning the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield, earning the right to host all three of its Phase One matches.

The game is also a rematch of their only previous meeting, a 1-1 draw in the 2024 Leagues Cup that Cruz Azul won on penalties. The stakes are particularly high because of the tournament’s new format.

Each club plays only three Phase One matches, all against teams from the opposite league, with no draws. A regulation win is worth three points, while matches tied after 90 minutes go directly to penalties, awarding one additional point to the shootout winner.

Only the top-performing teams from MLS and Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals, making every point critical from the opening matchday. In addition, the tournament’s three best finishers qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

For the Philadelphia Union, a strong start at home is essential before facing Necaxa and Santos Laguna later in Phase One. They have consistently been one of the competition’s strongest MLS clubs, reaching the semifinals in 2023 and 2024, and will look to capitalize on home-field advantage once again.

Cruz Azul, meanwhile, is aiming to add a second Leagues Cup title after lifting the inaugural trophy in 2019, knowing that defeating one of MLS’ toughest home teams would put La Maquina in an excellent position to reach the knockout rounds.

Cruz Azul vs Philadelphia Union: Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul (4-1-3-2): Andres Gudiño; Omar Campos, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Jesus Orozco; Jeremy Marquez, Luka Romero, Agustin Palavecino, Nicolas Ibañez; Christian Ebere, Andres Montaño.

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2): Andre Blake; Kai Wagner, Neil Pierre, Nathan Harriel, Frankie Westfield; Indiana Vassilev, Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, Cavan Sullivan; Bruno Damiani, Milan Iloski.

What time is the Cruz Azul vs Philadelphia Union match?

Cruz Azul and the Philadelphia Union will face off on Thursday, August 6, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The match is part of the opening phase of the 2026 Leagues Cup.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

“We were able to watch the first four games of the league this year and you see that we have to be able to adjust to what the game brings because you’ll see a different shape, one that’s tough for us to predict going into the match, but even throughout the game that they might change shape, or the way they’re building up, and the way they’re defending,” Richter started his response to Bolavip.

“And for us, that we’re able to be flexible and able to adapt to what we see in the game. So, we try to give them the picture, but that’s up to Kai and the guys also in some moments that they have to recognize the situation and organize that piece themselves on the field.“

Richter, who was named interim head coach by the Union in late May, expects Cruz Azul to challenge his players with a style of play that is rarely seen in Major League Soccer.

“Something that you don’t see so much every week at MLS is this type of fluidity and this type of changes, and one that I’m excited to see how we adapt to, and I think we’ll be successful if we’re able to adapt accordingly,” Richter added.

Wagner embraces underdog mentality vs. Cruz Azul

Wagner, meanwhile, had no problem in admitting that Cruz Azul are strong favorites for this clash. The 29-year-old, who returned to Philadelphia as a Designated Player in July following a brief stint with English side Birmingham City, still believes in the Union’s chances to produce an upset.

“We have the coaches who talk us through the game, we had a film session and for me, it’s just like we have to bring our best moments on the field, we have to defend good, we have to attack good, we have to be all leaders on the field all together,” Wagner responded to Bolavip. “And we know Cruz Azul will be the favorites for that game. They are one of the biggest teams in Mexico, and we’re really happy to face them tomorrow to see what we are capable of.

“Like I said, we are in a good run of form in the moment, but to be clear, they are the favorites tomorrow. But we like to be the underdogs, we like the mentality to come as the underdogs and yeah, I’m ready for the game. Hope the boys are ready too, I will make sure I get them ready for tomorrow.“

Philadelphia and Cruz Azul’s recent form

Even though Wagner is putting the pressure on the opponents, the Union head into their Leagues Cup debut in excellent form. Under Richter, Philadelphia is riding on a three-game winning streak, having won all three MLS fixtures played at home after the World Cup break.

Last time out, Cruz Azul suffered a tight 2-3 loss to Atlante in Liga MX play, but before that, Joel Huiqui’s men claimed two league wins as well as the Campeon de Campeones title against Toluca.

As the defending Liga MX champions, Cruz Azul are widely seen as favorites not only to get a victorious start against Philadelphia, but also to challenge for the Leagues Cup title. Wagner is aware of that, but he’s embracing the underdog status. Let’s wait and see what happens Thursday night.

The Herons and the U met in one of the most electrifying showdowns of the 2025-26 MLS campaign—and league history, for that matter. Under a typical spring downpour in Magic City, Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union played out a thrilling 6-4 showdown in the final game before the World Cup break.

For Messi, there were visible moments of frustration with his teammates’ defensive struggles. However, he was all over the pitch in the attacking half. Messi registered two assists and could’ve had a few more if it weren’t for some poor finishing.

Messi assists Berterame twice

After conceding two goals in the opening 10 minutes, Inter Miami needed a spark to get back into the game. Naturally, it had to come from Lionel Messi. Rodrigo De Paul found Messi one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and the Argentine ace showed that patience is a virtue as he waited for support to arrive. With a subtle touch to his left, Messi set up German Berterame, who only had to tap the ball into the back of the net.

The Messi-Berterame connection struck again in the 41st minute, this time with a bit of fortune involved. As Messi attempted one of his trademark shots from the edge of the box, Cavan Sullivan challenged for the ball and the deflection fell kindly to Berterame in what was virtually a moving penalty kick. Berterame made no mistake, firing home a powerful shot to cut Philadelphia Union’s lead to 3-2.

The Herons didn’t stop there. Not only did they erase the deficit, they also took the lead before conceding a late equalizer—all before halftime. In the second half, there weren’t quite as much action, but Inter Miami would gladly take it as they came away with a crucial 6-4 triumph. Now, the Herons are headed to the World Cup break in second place in the Eastern Conference.

Messi asks for substitution

As for Lionel Messi, he asked to be taken off with an apparent muscle injury to his left hamstring. While concern is naturally expected in Argentina, the fact that Messi walked off under his own power and showed little sign of pain—or anxiety about potentially missing the upcoming World Cup, which is clearly his main focus—should provide some reassurance.

Still, it was an unnecessary scare that everybody would’ve preferred to avoid. Regardless, it feels like it will take far more than this for Messi to miss the upcoming World Cup.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union in the USA

Supporters wanting to stream this marquee showdown will have multiple platforms available, with live coverage provided through Apple TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream and Sling Blue, allowing fans to follow every second of the action online.

For viewers preferring traditional television coverage, the matchup will also be broadcast live on FOX and FOX Deportes, delivering full access to one of the most anticipated games on the schedule.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union for free?

Fans in the United States can stream this game live on Fubo with the platform’s available 5-day free trial for new users. Supporters wanting to follow the full matchup can use the limited-time offer to watch the broadcast free of charge before it expires.

It’s an ideal option for viewers hoping to enjoy every minute of the action without immediately paying for a subscription. The free trial also allows fans to explore the service before deciding on a long-term plan.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Riding a three-match winning streak, Inter Miami continued their strong run with a 2-0 victory over Portland Timbers, collecting another crucial result in the race for the top spot in the standings.

Lionel Messi’s team now sits second with 28 points and remains within reach of league-leading Nashville SC, which holds 33 points. Next on the schedule is a matchup against Philadelphia Union.

Philadelphia are desperate to reverse their struggles after managing just seven points and falling to the bottom of the table. Another victory would give Messi’s side even more momentum as it continues to chase Nashville in the standings.

Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union: Predicted Lineups

Inter Miami (4-3-3): St. Clair; Mura, Lujan, Micael, Reguilon; De Paul, Bright, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Berterame.

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2): Blake; Harriel, Martinez, Mbaizo, Bender; C. Sullivan, Lukic, Jacques, Vassilev; Iloski, Damiani.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union match?

The match kicks off today, May 24, at 7:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
Central Time: 6:00 PM
Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

[Watch Club America vs Philadelphia Union live in the USA on Fubo]

After earning a 1–0 road victory in the first leg, Club America hold the advantage as the Round of 16 matchup in the CONCACAF Champions Cup shifts to Mexico. Las Aguilas have taken the early edge, but the series remains wide open with just one goal separating the teams.

Philadelphia Union, after this hard blow, know very well a chance slipped away at home, yet the narrow deficit keeps them firmly in the fight as they push for a comeback and a spot in the quarterfinals.

When will the Club America vs Philadelphia Union match be played?

This second leg game in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 between Club America and Philadelphia Union will be played this Wednesday, March 18 at 9:00 PM (ET).

Club America vs Philadelphia Union: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Club America vs Philadelphia Union in the USA

This 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup game between Club America and Philadelphia Union will be broadcast in the United States on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, FS1, UniMás, TUDN and ViX.