The stars were shining at Subaru Park on Thursday night as Cavan Sullivan and the Philadelphia Union battled Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF to an entertaining 2-2 draw in a back-and-forth MLS showdown.
The highly anticipated meeting featured one of soccer’s greatest stars against one of the brightest young talents in American soccer. Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion, shared the field with 16-year-old Sullivan in a matchup that offered a glimpse of both the present and potential future of the sport in the United States.
The result gave Philadelphia a valuable point as the Union continued their push up the Eastern Conference standings, while Inter Miami remained focused on keeping pace in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Messi once again delivered for the Herons, recording a goal and an assist to increase his league total to 22 goal contributions this season.
After Philadelphia took an early lead, Messi found a way to respond in the 26th minute. The Argentine somehow created just enough space away from Kai Wagner before firing home his 13th league goal of the season to put Miami ahead 2-1.
It was another reminder of the remarkable ability that has made Messi one of the most dangerous players in MLS. Even with defenders closely tracking his every movement, the 39-year-old World Cup winner needed only an inch of space to change the game.
But Sullivan was equally impressive. The teenage midfielder continued his remarkable run of form, recording a secondary assist on Indiana Vassilev’s opening goal in the 11th minute. The assist came just days after Sullivan registered two assists during Philadelphia’s 3-2 comeback victory over New York City FC.
Sullivan has now recorded one goal and seven assists in 11 starts, playing an important role during Philadelphia’s five-match unbeaten run since the World Cup break.
His performances are increasingly putting him into the conversation for a potential United States men’s national team call-up. With the USMNT preparing for another important stretch ahead, Sullivan’s emergence could give coach Mauricio Pochettino another intriguing young option to consider for his fall roster.
Philadelphia eventually found the equalizer, setting up a dramatic finish as both teams pushed for a winner. Sullivan continued fighting until the final whistle, and the intensity boiled over in stoppage time.
A scuffle involving Inter Miami defender Ian Fray and Cavan’s older brother, Quinn Sullivan, sparked tensions between the teams. Things escalated further when Miami midfielder Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan became involved.
Despite the significant difference in age and size between the two players, Sullivan refused to back down. The 16-year-old stood his ground before he and Bright were both sent off.
It was a chaotic ending to an otherwise thrilling night of soccer, but it also underscored the competitive edge Sullivan has shown throughout his rapid rise.
For Philadelphia, the draw extended a five-match unbeaten streak and provided another positive result against one of MLS’s biggest clubs. The Union will look to continue climbing the Eastern Conference table Saturday when they visit Austin FC at 8:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV.
Inter Miami will also be back in action Saturday, hosting Toronto FC at Nu Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The night ultimately belonged to both generations of soccer stars. Messi added another goal and assist to his extraordinary MLS season, while Sullivan continued to demonstrate why American soccer fans are so excited about his future.
At Subaru Park, the present and future shared the same stage—and neither was willing to back down.
