Major League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Inter Miami CF stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for one match each due to their absence from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. The league announced the suspensions on Friday, July 25, 2025.

The MLS All-Star Game took place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, with the MLS All-Stars facing off against a team of Liga MX All-Stars. The MLS All-Stars won the game 3-1. Tai Baribo, a forward for the Philadelphia Union, was named the All-Star Game MVP.

Messi and Alba were selected to the MLS All-Star roster but did not participate in the game or related activities. According to MLS policy, players who skip the All-Star Game without prior approval or a valid injury excuse are ineligible to participate in their club's next match. MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged that public notification of Messi's and Alba's status could have been handled better.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said that Messi was dealing with fatigue, while Alba sustained a minor injury in a previous match. Mascherano also pointed out the team's congested schedule, with matches every three days, making it difficult for players to get adequate rest. Prior to the All-Star Game, Mascherano expressed his desire for Messi to rest, given the team's demanding schedule. Inter Miami had a five-game pre-season tour across the Americas and have played 33 games across all competitions.

The suspensions mean that Messi and Alba will miss Inter Miami's match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26. This is a significant blow for Inter Miami, as they face the Eastern Conference-leading Cincinnati. Inter Miami lost to Cincinnati 3-0 before the All-Star break. In addition to Messi and Alba, Inter Miami will also be without defender Maxi Falcon for the match against Cincinnati, as he is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed his understanding of Messi's commitment to Inter Miami and respect for his decision to prioritize rest. However, he emphasized that the league has a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, which had to be enforced. Garber stated that the league will work with the MLS players to take a "hard look" at the policy moving forward.

Some have pointed out the apparent double standard where MLS has appeared to bend over backwards to accommodate Messi, including going light on sanctions against Inter Miami for violating roster construction rules. Others suggest that if Messi, who is essentially a business partner with MLS, can't be bothered to participate in the All-Star Game, there is no reason to keep having it.

Messi and Alba will be eligible to return to the pitch on Wednesday, when Inter Miami takes on Atlas in the Leagues Cup.