Lionel Messi Suspended by MLS for Missing All-Star Game: What It Means for Inter Miami

In July 2025, Major League Soccer (MLS) suspended Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba for one match each. This decision came after both players missed the MLS All-Star Game without prior approval from the league. Messi’s suspension has significant implications for Inter Miami and the wider MLS community, as he is the team’s star player and a major draw for fans.

This article explains why Messi was suspended, what this means for Inter Miami, how the league and club reacted, and what the future might hold regarding MLS rules.

Why Were Messi and Alba Suspended?

The MLS has a clear rule: players selected for the All-Star Game must participate unless they receive official permission to skip. Missing the game without approval results in a suspension for the next scheduled league match.

Messi and Alba did not play in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, and reportedly, the team did not seek or obtain permission from MLS to excuse them. As a result, the league enforced the rule and suspended both players for one match each.

Importance of the All-Star Game in MLS

The MLS All-Star Game is a yearly event that celebrates the best players in the league. It usually features a match between MLS stars and players from Liga MX, Mexico’s top league. It is an important showcase for players and helps promote the league both domestically and internationally.

The rule about participation was designed to maintain the prestige and competitiveness of the event. However, the timing of the All-Star Game during a busy schedule has caused some teams to question the practicality of this rule.

Impact on Inter Miami

The suspension of Lionel Messi has significant consequences for Inter Miami, both on and off the field. As one of the team’s star players, Messi plays a vital role in shaping the team’s performance and overall morale. His absence will affect the squad’s attacking strength, strategy, and chances in upcoming matches, making it a critical challenge for the club to overcome.

Messi’s Absence in Upcoming Matches

Inter Miami’s next league game is against FC Cincinnati, the current Eastern Conference leader. Missing Messi, who has already scored 18 goals this season, will weaken Miami’s attacking power. Messi is not just a goal scorer; he is a playmaker and a key part of the team’s strategy.

Similarly, Jordi Alba’s absence affects the defensive and offensive balance on the field.

Team Dynamics and Depth

While Inter Miami has other talented players like Luis Suárez, missing two key players will test the team’s depth. Coach Javier Mascherano will have to adjust the lineup and tactics to try and compensate for this loss.

Reactions from MLS and Inter Miami

The news of Lionel Messi’s suspension surprised many people in the soccer world. Both Major League Soccer (MLS) officials and Inter Miami’s team have shared their thoughts about the situation. Their reactions show how important Messi is to the league and the club, and they also reveal how they plan to handle this unexpected challenge.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber

Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, stated that while Messi is hugely important to the league, the rules must be applied equally to all players. He said that the All-Star participation rule has been in place for many years and must be enforced to maintain fairness.

Garber also mentioned that the league would review the rule in the future, considering player welfare and scheduling difficulties.

Inter Miami Owner Jorge Mas

Jorge Mas criticized the suspension as "draconian" and unfair, especially considering the packed schedule and concerns over player health. He emphasized that the decision for Messi and Alba to skip the All-Star Game was based on protecting the players from overexertion.

Mas also pointed out that the league does not currently have an appeal process for these suspensions, which he believes should change.

The Busy Schedule Challenge

Inter Miami has had a congested match calendar this season, with many league and international games. This has caused fatigue among players.

Coach Mascherano explained that the timing of the All-Star Game makes it difficult for players to participate without risking injury or exhaustion. The team prioritized the health of Messi and Alba by resting them during the All-Star event.

What This Means for MLS and the Future

The incident highlights a growing tension between traditional league rules and modern concerns for player health and scheduling.

MLS has promised to re-evaluate the All-Star participation rule to create more flexibility, possibly including exemptions or an appeals process.

Inter Miami’s pushback has sparked a wider conversation about balancing league requirements with the demands placed on top players.

Fan and Public Response

Messi’s absence disappointed many fans who wanted to see the league’s biggest star in the All-Star Game. However, most understand the importance of player health and the tough decision made by Inter Miami.

The suspension also sparked debate about whether the rule should be changed to better fit today’s packed soccer calendar.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s suspension by MLS for missing the All-Star Game is a significant event for Inter Miami and the league. While the league’s rules require strict enforcement, this case has revealed the need for more flexible policies that consider player health and busy schedules.

Inter Miami must now face one of its toughest matches without its star player. At the same time, MLS is expected to reconsider its policies to avoid similar conflicts in the future, balancing the interests of players, clubs, fans, and the league’s image.