Lionel Messi scores first goal since father’s death; Cavan Sullivan sent off

Lionel Messi scored and the Philadelphia Union’s teenage star, Cavan Sullivan, was sent off during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw at Subaru Park. It was the showcase match of the night, billed as Messi versus Sullivan.

Messi, 39, the league’s back-to-back MVP, has been Miami’s lone bright spot during the club’s four-match winless streak. Miami lost two of its three Leagues Cup matches, then was routed 4-1 by Nashville SC on Saturday. Wednesday’s result leaves Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind Nashville.

Messi’s 26th-minute goal was his first since the death of his father, Jorge, on Aug. 8. Days later on his social media feeds, Messi questioned how long he will continue to play. His contract with Miami runs through 2028. Messi has not indicated whether he will continue to play for Argentina.

After a frenzied start that saw the Union take the lead in the 11th minute through Indiana Vassilev, Messi quickly put Miami in front with consecutive goal-scoring participations. His first came in the 21st minute. Messi’s pinpoint pass to Luis Suárez was headed across the Union goal mouth for Miami homegrown striker Daniel Pinter to equalize from close range.

PINTER gets us back in it! pic.twitter.com/KmF9b70pO0

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2026

Five minutes later, Messi gave Miami the lead with a clever finish from inside the Union penalty area. As he has 922 times now, Messi took advantage of a favorable one-versus-one matchup with an isolated defender. The Argentina captain stutter-stepped his way past Kai Wagner before tucking the ball into the far post.

MAGIC from Messi as @InterMiamiCF take the lead over the Union! pic.twitter.com/lJ5tpDMUIA

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 20, 2026

The stunned crowd at Subaru Park had witnessed a classic Messi moment. The 39-year-old had not done much up until that five-minute span. Like he does so often, Messi appeared to lull the Union to sleep. Still, the Union, winners of four league games in a row before kickoff, were the side with the most control. The second half began much like the first 45 minutes, with Philadelphia outplaying Miami.

The Union drew level when 18-year-old central defender Neil Pierre redirected Milan Iloski’s free kick with a diving header at Miami’s near post. It was Pierre’s third goal in five matches for Philadelphia. Sullivan also had a strong showing. The 16-year-old American youth international’s creative flair had the home crowd on its feet throughout the night.

Sullivan, who signed with the Union in 2024 — with a pre-arranged transfer clause to join Manchester City when he turns 18 — has grown in confidence during Philadelphia’s winning streak. His playing time has increased under interim manager Ryan Richter. Wednesday, Sullivan was unafraid to take on his defenders, whether it was Miami’s three-time World Cup veteran, Casemiro, or former Real Madrid and Tottenham left back Sergio Reguilón. The latter was especially targeted by Sullivan.

Sullivan’s quick burst, intelligent combination play and dribbling ability were certainly on display. Richter kept Sullivan on the pitch through the 90th minute, with the Union constantly threatening to break the deadlock. In the 69th minute, Richter brought on Sullivan’s older brother, Quinn, at center forward.

The Union had a goal overturned for an offside call via the video assistant referee. The match ended with a skirmish involving both Sullivan brothers. Miami defender Ian Fray stepped over Quinn after a stoppage in play in the 104th minute. The two tangled and fell to the ground. Cavan rushed to aid his brother and scuffled with Miami midfielder Yannick Bright. Bright and Cavan were shown straight red cards for violent conduct.