Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will be absent from Inter Miami's upcoming MLS match against FC Cincinnati due to a one-game suspension imposed by Major League Soccer. The suspension stems from their decision to skip the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, a decision that falls under a league policy requiring players selected for the All-Star Game to participate unless an exemption is granted. The MLS All-Stars emerged victorious against Liga MX All-Stars with a score of 3-1.
According to MLS rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match. The league announced the suspensions on Friday, July 25, 2025. MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing the policy, given Messi's significant contribution to the league. "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," Garber stated. Despite this, he emphasized the importance of upholding the league's long-standing policy regarding All-Star Game participation. Garber also mentioned that the league would be re-evaluating the policy and working with players to determine how the rule should evolve.
Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, had anticipated Messi's availability for the match against Cincinnati, noting that he had returned to training. Mascherano explained that Messi was experiencing fatigue due to the heavy schedule of games and minutes played. He also mentioned that Alba had sustained a minor injury in the previous match against the New York Red Bulls. Mascherano expressed his opinion that the All-Star Game should be scheduled differently, suggesting it be held on a weekend without a regular-season game immediately following it. He highlighted the demanding schedule Inter Miami has faced, playing games every three days.
This suspension arrives at a crucial moment, as Inter Miami is set to face FC Cincinnati. In a previous encounter, Cincinnati defeated Inter Miami 3-0. Besides Messi and Alba, Inter Miami will also be without defender Maxi Falcon, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Commissioner Garber admitted that the league should have been more proactive in confirming the players' status ahead of the All-Star Game. He noted that Messi's absence was only officially confirmed on the morning of the game, creating uncertainty surrounding the event.
The decision to suspend Messi and Alba highlights the increasing demands placed on professional soccer players and the growing tension surrounding compressed schedules. With additional competitions being introduced and existing leagues expanding, players face a relentless calendar. Inter Miami has participated in numerous competitions, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, MLS regular season, and FIFA Club World Cup.
A similar situation occurred in 2018 when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was suspended for missing the All-Star Game. Inter Miami's next match is scheduled against FC Cincinnati.
