Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, two of Inter Miami’s biggest stars, have been handed one-match suspensions by Major League Soccer (MLS) for failing to appear at the league’s All-Star Game held on Wednesday in Austin, Texas. The disciplinary action means the duo will miss Miami’s upcoming home fixture against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
According to MLS rules, players who do not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league automatically become ineligible for their club’s next match. “Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match,” the league stated in a press release on Friday.
League Defends Tough Decision on Lionel Messi
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but stressed the need to uphold league policies. “I know Lionel Messi loves this league,” Garber said. “I don’t think there’s a player — or anyone — who has done more for MLS than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.”
Garber noted that the league’s All-Star participation policy is long-standing and was not created with Lionel Messi in mind. Despite Messi’s impact on boosting MLS viewership and global relevance, Garber emphasized the importance of equal treatment. “Unfortunately, we have a policy that must be enforced regardless of who the player is,” he concluded.
Fatigue Behind Absence, Says Mascherano
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano defended his captain, attributing the absence to physical exhaustion. Speaking to ESPN earlier on Friday, Mascherano stated that Messi was experiencing “normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he’s been playing.”
“Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days,” Mascherano said, alluding to the packed fixture list Miami has faced. Since their elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup by Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami have played five matches this month. Messi alone has scored eight goals in that stretch, underlining both his value and the physical toll.
Lionel Messi’s Impact and Current Form
Despite being 38 years old, Messi has been in phenomenal form for Inter Miami in the current MLS season. The Argentine legend has netted 18 goals in just as many league appearances, serving as the central figure in the club’s attack. His Spanish teammate and former Barcelona colleague, Jordi Alba, has made 19 appearances this season.
Both players were also instrumental in Inter Miami’s run to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing their elite pedigree and enduring quality. Their suspension is a significant blow to Miami as they continue to battle for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
Fans React as Messi Misses Miami vs. Cincinnati Clash
The news of Messi’s suspension sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits. While some sympathize with the star’s need for rest, others argue that missing a marquee All-Star event undermines the league’s efforts to promote itself globally. With the Miami vs. Cincinnati game being a potential playoff-deciding clash, the absence of Messi and Alba could tip the balance.
Inter Miami’s supporters, already concerned about squad fatigue and injury risks, now face an uphill task without their talisman. For MLS, the decision serves as a reminder of the league’s intent to enforce its policies — even when it involves its most marketable global superstar.
