Messi and Alba are being banned!

The highly anticipated All-Star clash between the top talents of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s Liga MX took place in Austin, Texas on Thursday. While fans expected to witness Inter Miami's star duo, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, grace the field, the two former Barcelona players withdrew their names from the final MLS All-Star squad. As a result, they were absent from the marquee event, much to the disappointment of fans and organizers. Their absence has now sparked controversy, with the possibility of the pair facing a one-match suspension looming large due to league regulations.

According to Major League Soccer’s rules, any player selected for the All-Star Game who opts out without a valid injury excuse is subject to a one-match suspension in regular league play. Since Messi and Alba were not reported to be injured and still missed the game, they could fall under this rule. If enforced, this would mean Inter Miami might be without two of its biggest stars in their upcoming home match against FC Cincinnati next Saturday. However, as of now, MLS officials have not issued a formal statement confirming the punishment.

Despite the absence of Messi and Alba, the MLS All-Star team performed impressively, securing a 3-1 victory over the Liga MX All-Stars. This annual All-Star format has evolved significantly over the years. It began in 1996 with a simple East vs. West format among MLS players. Eventually, it transitioned to pitting an MLS All-Star team against prominent clubs from around the world. Over time, the All-Stars have faced powerhouses like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. In recent years, the format shifted again to feature an exciting rivalry between MLS and Liga MX, showcasing North America's finest footballing talents.

The situation surrounding Messi and Alba’s last-minute withdrawal remains murky. According to AFP, Inter Miami informed the league very late that the two players would not be participating. The club did not provide any specific reason for their absence, leading to further speculation and criticism. Based on the league’s rules, unless a compelling explanation is submitted, a suspension could be imminent for both players.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber has so far refrained from making a definitive statement on the issue. When pressed by media, Garber maintained a cautious stance, saying that discussions about potential consequences would not take place until the following week. He remarked, “We are not going to talk today about anything that will happen next week. The match is next week, we don’t need to answer that. We are moving forward with the process as we said. But they should have told us about it earlier.” This comment only added to the ambiguity surrounding the decision and the league’s next steps.

One possible explanation for Messi and Alba’s decision to skip the game is rest and recovery. The pair has been key figures for Inter Miami this season, with Messi in particular shouldering an intense workload. Since the FIFA Club World Cup, Messi has featured in seven consecutive matches. Although he performed brilliantly—becoming the first player in MLS history to score braces in five consecutive matches—there was a noticeable dip when he didn’t score, coinciding with a temporary slump in Miami’s form. However, he bounced back strongly in the most recent fixture, netting two goals and delivering an assist in Miami’s commanding 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls.

Whether MLS will choose to enforce the rule and hand suspensions to its biggest global stars remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the decision will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future All-Star events.