July 26, 2025

MLS Suspends Messi and Alba for Missing All-Star Game

here-intlog
July 26, 2025
5:13 am
Milwaukee

News Summary

Major League Soccer has suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami for one match due to their absence from the MLS All-Star Game. The league announced that both players will miss the upcoming match against FC Cincinnati as a result of lacking prior medical approval for their absence. This decision aims to uphold the integrity of league policies while addressing the issue of player scheduling and participation in key promotional events.

Austin, Texas

Major League Soccer has suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami for one match due to their absence from the recent MLS All-Star Game. The league announced the suspension on Friday, stating that both players will miss an upcoming match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26. This suspension aligns with league rules stipulating that players who are absent from the All-Star Game without prior medical approval face a one-game ban.

The MLS All-Star Game took place on Wednesday night in Austin, Texas, where fans and media selected Messi and Alba as All-Stars. However, neither player attended the marquee event, prompting the league’s disciplinary action. The league confirmed the ineligibility of the two players to participate in their next match due to the violation of attendance policies.

Context of the Suspension

MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged Messi’s significant contributions to the league, emphasizing his importance to both MLS and Inter Miami. The decision to suspend the star players was described as “very difficult,” yet necessary to maintain the integrity of league policies. Garber indicated that the league would be reviewing the All-Star Game participation policy moving forward to ensure it better accommodates player schedules and well-being.

Reasons for Absence

Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, revealed that Messi did not participate due to fatigue accrued from a packed schedule, while Alba was dealing with a minor injury. The team has seen a congested itinerary, with four of their last five games played away and involvement in multiple tournaments. Despite their absences from the All-Star Game, both Messi and Alba had been training with Inter Miami prior to the suspension announcement.

Reactions and Team Preparations

The impending match against FC Cincinnati will take place without the star power of Messi and Alba, leading the opposition’s coach, Pat Noonan, to prepare his team with the understanding that they may not face these notable players. This development has generated discussions about the scheduling of such key events, with calls for adjustments to better serve player health and performance.

Historical Context

This situation is not without precedent; in 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimović was similarly suspended for missing the All-Star Game under comparable circumstances. The current suspension highlights a key enforcement of league regulations aimed at ensuring player participation in significant promotional events led by the league.

Future Implications

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami extends until the end of the 2025 season, and discussions regarding a potential contract extension continue. Additionally, the league has been proactive in engaging Messi with initiatives such as a “Player Spotlight” event on TikTok, which achieved record viewership figures last season, showcasing the Argentine’s enduring appeal.

This suspension serves as a reminder of the rigorous policies that govern player participation in league events, with potential implications for future scheduling and player management. As MLS navigates the complexities of accommodating its star athletes while maintaining competitive integrity, ongoing dialogue about the structure of events like the All-Star Game is expected.