July 26, 2025

Lionel Messi, the superstar forward of Inter Miami, has received a one-match suspension from Major League Soccer (MLS) for not participating in the MLS All-Star Game held on July 23, 2025, without obtaining prior approval from the league. This announcement was made on July 25, 2025. Both Messi and his teammate Jordi Alba were included in the All-Star roster but chose not to play, even though there were no injury concerns prompting their absence. According to MLS regulations, players who skip the All-Star Game without the league's consent become ineligible for their club's subsequent match. This means Messi will miss an important upcoming game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, 2025, a team currently leading the Eastern Conference standings. Messi has been one of the standout performances in MLS this season, scoring a remarkable 18 goals. The suspension has stirred discussions within the league about the existing rules around All-Star participation. MLS Commissioner Don Garber recognized Messi's significant contributions to the league, stating, "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. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision." Garber further emphasized the difficulties posed by such a decision but assured that the league would adhere to its longstanding policies regarding All-Star participation. Following the controversy, he indicated a potential reevaluation of these policies moving forward, with a commitment to engage players in discussions about evolving the rules. Javier Mascherano, the coach of Inter Miami, commented on Messi's absence from the game, noting that players often contend with discomfort, especially when playing every three days. As the league navigates this incident, it presents an intriguing moment for both MLS and the players involved, highlighting the intersection between league regulations and player commitments in soccer. This suspension marks a significant moment in Messi's tenure in the league and presents challenges for Inter Miami as they prepare for their crucial match against a strong FC Cincinnati team.

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Tags: Lionel messi, Mls, Inter miami, Jordi alba, Suspension,