News Summary
Lionel Messi faces a one-game suspension as Inter Miami prepares for the 2025 Leagues Cup amidst controversy over his absence from the MLS All-Star Game. The club’s frustration escalates as they are set to begin their tournament on July 30 against Atlas, with Messi also missing the subsequent match against Necaxa. Criticism arises regarding the enforcement of league policies, especially from Inter Miami’s management. Meanwhile, the ‘Player Spotlight: Messi’ feature will continue to attract fans on TikTok despite the star’s absence.
Miami, FL – Lionel Messi’s recent suspension has generated controversy as Inter Miami prepares for the upcoming 2025 Leagues Cup. The iconic player, along with teammate Jordi Alba, was suspended for one game due to failing to participate in the MLS All-Star Game. This decision has sparked frustration among the players and management of Inter Miami, particularly due to the current demands of their schedule.
Messi’s suspension complicates matters for Inter Miami, who are set to open the Leagues Cup on July 30 against Atlas. He will miss this match, as well as the subsequent game on August 2 against Necaxa, which will feature the launch of Player Spotlight: Messi, an exclusive viewing experience on TikTok LIVE. This feature specifically showcases Messi’s on-field action and previously gained over six million live viewers during the first edition, setting a record for live sports streaming on TikTok in the U.S.
The MLS commissioner described the enforcement of the suspension as “complicated,” but necessary under league policy. This has led to criticism from Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, who questioned the application and implications of such a policy. The All-Star Game absence had been a strategic decision made by the club to manage a grueling schedule that involves nine matches over a span of 36 days.
In the wake of Messi’s suspension, Inter Miami faced FC Cincinnati without him and Alba, resulting in a 0-0 draw. This match underscored the team’s struggles in the absence of their star players. Despite the setback, Messi and new teammate Rodrigo De Paul engaged with fans during their suspension, showcasing their camaraderie while watching the game from a suite.
Following the suspension news and the ongoing situation, MLS is reviewing its policies that led to the suspensions after feedback from Inter Miami’s management team. Messi, who has scored 18 goals and provided 9 assists during the current season, expressed his dissatisfaction along with the club co-owner regarding the suspension decision.
Inter Miami announced the signing of Rodrigo De Paul, a World Cup winner; however, his status for the Leagues Cup remains uncertain as he was not included in the team’s list for the tournament. His debut remains highly anticipated and continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, Messi’s rivalry with Sergio Ramos, who also plays in the MLS, may add an exciting dynamic to the league in 2025, as both figures have a storied past from their time in European football.
Additionally, the MLS is bringing back the beloved “Player Spotlight: Messi” feature for the upcoming matches in the Leagues Cup. This is expected to deliver great value to fans who seek a more focused viewing experience on Messi’s performances. The exclusive Messi stream will be accessible via the MLS TikTok account alongside simultaneous live coverage available on Inter Miami’s and Apple TV‘s channels.
As fans look forward to the upcoming matches in the 2025 Leagues Cup, the tension around Messi’s suspension and the league’s policy ramifications will continue to be a hot topic of discussion.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati Battle to Scoreless Draw
MLS Suspends Messi and Alba for Missing All-Star Game
MLS Triumphs Over Liga MX in All-Star Game
Additional Resources
- Palm Beach Post
- Wikipedia: Lionel Messi
- New York Post
- Google Search: Lionel Messi suspension
- ESPN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lionel Messi
- New York Times
- Google News: Inter Miami
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
