In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Major League Soccer, the league officially confirmed Friday that Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been handed one-game suspensions for their controversial absence from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. This disciplinary action means both players will miss Saturday’s crucial Eastern Conference clash against FC Cincinnati, highlighting the strict enforcement of MLS participation rules even for the league’s biggest names.
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The Suspension Decision: MLS Takes a Stand
Major League Soccer announced Friday that Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will be suspended for the team’s next match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, following their unauthorized absence from Wednesday’s All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. The decision represents the league’s unwavering commitment to its participation policies, regardless of a player’s star status.
Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and arguably the most recognizable face in MLS, found himself subject to the same disciplinary measures as any other player who skips the league’s marquee mid-season event. 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 suspension comes at a particularly challenging time for Inter Miami, as they prepare to face the Eastern Conference leaders in what many consider a pivotal match in the MLS Supporters’ Shield race. FC Cincinnati sits first in both standings with 49 points, and Miami not far behind with 41 points, having three games in hand.
Background: The All-Star Game Controversy
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game, held on July 23 in Austin, Texas, was designed to showcase the league’s finest talent against Liga MX’s best players. Both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were selected for the event – Messi through fan and media votes, while Alba was chosen by coaches and league officials. However, Lionel Messi had been set to headline the MLS All-Stars, but he, along with Jordi Alba, will not play any part in Wednesday’s game.
The absence was particularly notable given that Messi failed to feature in the event after sustaining an ankle injury in the 2024 Copa América final last year, making this his second consecutive All-Star Game absence. However, unlike 2024, when injury provided a legitimate excuse, this year’s absence lacked the medical documentation required to avoid disciplinary action.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano cited player fatigue as the reason for the absences, stating that Messi hasn’t trained all week due to fatigue, not injury. “He presented fatigue that’s normal with the games and minutes we have played.” However, this explanation failed to meet MLS’s strict criteria for excused absences.
MLS Rules and Enforcement
The league’s position on All-Star Game participation is crystal clear and has been consistently enforced across all players. MLS rules are clear that players face a one-game suspension for missing the All-Star Game for any reason but injury. This policy exists to maintain the integrity and star power of the league’s showcase event, ensuring that fans who purchase tickets and tune in can see the players they expect.
The suspension policy serves multiple purposes:
- Protecting the commercial value of the All-Star Game
- Ensuring fairness across all MLS clubs and players
- Maintaining fan trust and satisfaction
- Upholding the league’s commitment to its signature events
Impact on Inter Miami’s Season
The timing of these suspensions couldn’t be more challenging for Inter Miami. The match against FC Cincinnati represents a crucial opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The absence resulted in an automatic punishment, according to league rules, preventing players from participating in their clubs’ next match if they miss the event without an approved medical justification.
Without their two key players, head coach Javier Mascherano will need to rely on the squad’s depth and tactical flexibility. The absence of Lionel Messi, who has been instrumental in Miami’s attacking play, and Jordi Alba, whose experience and defensive contributions have been vital, presents significant challenges for the team’s game plan.
The match against FC Cincinnati takes on added significance given their recent history. Two weeks prior, FC Cincinnati defeated Inter Miami 3-0, with their designated player Evander taking on MLS All-Star captaincy honors after Messi’s continued absence from league events.
League Commissioner’s Response
The controversy has prompted MLS Commissioner Don Garber to acknowledge the need for potential rule modifications. MLS Commissioner promises ‘hard look’ at rule, suggesting that the league may reconsider its strict enforcement policies, particularly regarding player workload management.
This response indicates that while the current suspensions will stand, the league recognizes the complexity of managing international superstars who face demanding schedules across multiple competitions throughout the year.
Fan and Media Reaction
The suspension decision has generated significant debate within the soccer community. Some argue that the enforcement demonstrates MLS’s commitment to fairness and rule application regardless of star status. Others contend that the league should show more flexibility when dealing with players who carry heavy international and domestic workloads.
The controversy extends beyond just the disciplinary action, raising questions about the future format and timing of the MLS All-Star Game itself. With some of the league’s biggest stars absent, MLS must find a way to boost the profile of the All-Star Game.
Looking Forward: Implications for MLS
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge MLS faces in balancing player welfare with commercial interests. As the league continues to attract world-class talent like Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, it must navigate the complexities of managing players who compete at the highest levels internationally while maintaining the integrity of its own competitions and events.
The suspension serves as a precedent that could influence future player decisions regarding All-Star Game participation. It also underscores the league’s determination to protect the value of its signature events, even when it means disciplining its most marketable stars.
For Inter Miami, the challenge now lies in managing without their key players while maintaining their push for conference supremacy. The team’s response to this adversity could define their season and demonstrate their depth beyond their marquee signings.
The suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba represents a significant moment in MLS history, demonstrating that league rules apply equally to all players, regardless of their global stature. While the immediate impact affects Inter Miami’s competitive prospects, the broader implications for league governance, player management, and fan expectations will likely influence MLS policies for years to come.
As the league continues to evolve and attract international talent, finding the right balance between commercial interests, competitive integrity, and player welfare remains an ongoing challenge that this incident has brought into sharp focus.
MLS All-Star Game 2025 Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 23, 2025 |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Format | MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars |
| Result | MLS won 3-1 |
| MVP | Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union) |
| Notable Absences | Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba |
Eastern Conference Standings Impact
| Team | Points | Games Played | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Cincinnati | 49 | Current League Leaders | 1st |
| Inter Miami | 41 | 3 Games in Hand | 2nd |
| Impact of Suspension | Could affect title race | Critical match missed | Significant |
Read More: Rodrigo de Paul Set to Join Inter Miami in €15M Deal with Four-Year Contract
FAQs
Why were Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba suspended?
They were suspended for one game after missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game without league approval or a documented injury excuse, violating MLS participation rules.
How long will Messi and Alba be suspended?
Both players received a one-game suspension and will miss Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Have MLS players been suspended for missing All-Star Games before?
Yes, MLS has consistently enforced this rule. Any player who misses the All-Star Game without prior league approval or documented injury faces automatic suspension.
Will this affect Inter Miami’s playoff chances?
The suspension comes at a crucial time as Miami trails conference leaders FC Cincinnati by 8 points, though they have games in hand. Missing key players could impact their title race.
Could MLS change this rule in the future?
MLS Commissioner Don Garber has indicated the league will take “a hard look” at the rule, suggesting potential modifications may be considered for future seasons.
