Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, key players for Inter Miami, have been suspended for their upcoming club match following their absence from the MLS All-star Game against Liga MX on Wednesday.
Inter miami coach Javier Mascherano stated on Friday that messi,the Argentinian World Cup champion,missed the exhibition match due to fatigue. Alba is reportedly dealing with a knock sustained in their previous MLS fixture.
The league has confirmed the suspensions, citing a rule that prohibits players from participating in their club’s next match if they miss the All-Star Game without prior league approval.
“Inter Miami CF defender Jordi Alba and forward Lionel Messi will be unavailable for the club’s Matchday 27 game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday evening, due to their absence at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game,” an official MLS statement read. “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.”
Despite Messi’s meaningful impact on MLS, Commissioner Don Garber emphasized the necessity of enforcing the policy uniformly, while also expressing openness to future policy revisions.
“I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s a player – or anyone – who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi,” Garber commented.”I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.”
He continued, “Regrettably, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision. That said, we’re going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve.”
