Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba have been hit with a one-game suspension after they chose not to participate in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, which took place on July 23 in Austin, Texas.
Major League Soccer (MLS) announced the updated All-Star roster just eight hours before the kickoff, revealing that both Messi and Alba would not be attending the game. According to league rules, any selected player who skips the event without prior approval is automatically suspended for their next club match.
This means Messi and Alba will miss Inter Miami’s upcoming match against FC Cincinnati.
Why Did Messi Miss the All-Star Game?
Messi’s absence sparked a major debate among fans and analysts. The Argentine star has been extremely active this season, playing in a packed schedule that includes MLS matches, the FIFA Club World Cup, and international duties.
While the league emphasized its policy, many believe Messi skipped the match to manage his workload and avoid injury. Even Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano appeared to support the player’s decision to rest.
League Commissioner Defends the Suspension
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged Messi’s immense impact on American soccer but insisted the league had no choice but to enforce its rules.
“I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think anyone has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. But we have a long-standing policy regarding All-Star participation, and it had to be enforced,” Garber stated.
Garber emphasized that the decision was tough but necessary to maintain fairness across the league.
Inter Miami Owner Calls the Decision ‘Draconian’
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas criticized MLS for what he called a harsh punishment. He said both Messi and Alba were disappointed with the suspension.
“They want to play. That’s why they’re here. They were really upset by this decision,” Mas said.
Mas also warned that such incidents could affect player morale and influence how athletes view league policies.
“Messi was extremely upset today. I hope this doesn’t impact his long-term relationship with the league. But it absolutely may change how players view these rules,” he added.
Fans Divided Over Messi’s Absence
Social media was flooded with mixed reactions. Some fans supported Messi, pointing to his heavy playing schedule. Others felt he should have made the effort to attend the All-Star Game, considering his global influence.
A few standout reactions on X (formerly Twitter) included:
- @ZachLowy noted: “By missing the All-Star Game, Messi ironically made it more talked-about than ever.”
- @FavianRenkel added: “If you think Messi playing wouldn’t help MLS grow, you’re mistaken.”
- @Debbybruno3 defended the star: “Messi has been playing every 3 days. He skips one All-Star match, and the league suspends him?”
Messi’s 2025 Season Performance So Far
Despite being 38 years old, Messi continues to shine for Inter Miami. According to Transfermarkt, he has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 24 goals and providing 8 assists.
One of those goals came in the FIFA Club World Cup, where he delivered a stunning free-kick against Porto.
What’s Next for Lionel Messi?
Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of the 2025 MLS season. While the club hopes to extend his stay, some speculation has already begun about where he could go next if he chooses to leave.
Among the top contenders:
- FC Barcelona – Messi’s former club, where he won multiple La Liga and Champions League titles, remains a sentimental favorite and a possible destination.
- Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) – With the league continuing to attract top talent, this club could make a high-value offer.
- Newell’s Old Boys (Argentina) – Returning to his boyhood club would be a heartfelt move, especially as Messi nears the twilight of his career.
Lionel Messi’s suspension highlights the tension between league rules and player health in a tightly packed football calendar. While MLS is trying to maintain consistency, punishing its biggest star may not sit well with fans, players, or the clubs involved.
Whether this incident affects Messi’s long-term future with the league remains to be seen—but what’s clear is that his influence continues to dominate headlines, even when he doesn’t play.
The Information is Collected from Yahoo and MSN.
