Messi, Alba Suspended by MLS for Skipping All-Star Game/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been suspended one match by MLS after missing the All-Star Game without league approval. Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas criticized the decision as “draconian,” saying both players had valid reasons to skip the exhibition match. MLS says it will re-evaluate the rule in future seasons.
Messi, MLS Suspension + Quick Looks
- Messi and Alba suspended for missing MLS All-Star Game without prior approval
- Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas calls the one-game ban “draconian” and unjust
- Messi was resting due to a heavy match schedule; Alba was nursing an injury
- Both players practiced Friday, expecting to play Saturday vs. FC Cincinnati
- MLS rule mandates suspension for players missing the All-Star Game without permission
- Commissioner Don Garber says the league must enforce its policies despite Messi’s stature
- Garber promises to review and evolve the policy alongside players moving forward
- Inter Miami protests timing, with regular league games occurring just 48 hours post-All-Star match
Deep Look
Inter Miami Owner Blasts MLS Suspension of Messi, Alba for Missing All-Star Match
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas condemned Major League Soccer’s decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, calling the punishment “draconian” and out of touch with the realities of modern football schedules.
Messi and Alba were handed automatic one-game suspensions for failing to appear in the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star showdown without prior league approval. The penalty comes under an MLS rule that prohibits players from participating in their club’s next match if they opt out of the All-Star Game.
Mas expressed dismay over the situation Friday, stating that neither Messi nor Alba intended disrespect and that the club had made the decision in their best interest.
“They don’t understand the decision,” Mas said. “They don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.”
Why Messi and Alba Sat Out
The absence of Messi and Alba was not a surprise to Inter Miami insiders. Messi, amid a heavy slate of club and international matches, opted for rest. Jordi Alba, recovering from a prior injury, was not match fit. The club coordinated their non-participation based on these physical and logistical factors.
Despite that, MLS enforced the letter of its All-Star attendance rule, leading to their ineligibility for Miami’s crucial home game against FC Cincinnati, the Eastern Conference leaders. Both players had practiced with the team Friday, expecting to play.
Don Garber Acknowledges Messi’s Contribution, Defends Decision
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the significance of Messi’s contributions to the league and the sport in America but stood by the enforcement of the policy.
“No one has done more for MLS than Lionel Messi,” Garber said. “I respect his decision and his commitment, but we have rules.”
Garber added that the league is now open to revisiting and revising the All-Star attendance policy, stating that it must evolve with the needs of players, clubs, and fans.
A Policy Under Scrutiny
The controversy has shed light on MLS’s approach to scheduling and player welfare:
- Mas pointed out that six league matches were scheduled just two days after the All-Star Game, questioning whether the league adequately protects its stars from burnout.
- “That’s not right to the players,” Mas emphasized, reinforcing the club’s disagreement with how the policy is applied, especially given the timing and health considerations.
- Inter Miami reportedly lodged a formal protest over the suspension, but the decision stands for Saturday’s match.
Looking Ahead: Player-Star Conflict or Policy Overhaul?
The suspension has reignited discussion about MLS’s treatment of marquee players, particularly global icons like Messi, whose participation drives attendance, TV ratings, and sponsorship revenue.
As the league expands its international presence, rigid enforcement of rules without nuance could alienate top talent. With Messi’s influence extending beyond the pitch, league officials may now feel pressure to modernize outdated policies that don’t reflect the realities of elite soccer workloads.
Quick Recap of Timeline
- July 24: Messi and Alba miss the MLS All-Star Game
- July 25 (Morning): Inter Miami confirms both players practiced, expecting to play Saturday
- July 25 (Afternoon): MLS announces suspension for both players
- July 25 (Evening): Jorge Mas publicly condemns the decision
- Next Game: Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati, July 26, without Messi and Alba
