News Summary
Major League Soccer has suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba from Inter Miami for one match due to their absence from the All-Star Game. The league enforces strict attendance policies, and both players will miss the upcoming match against FC Cincinnati. This decision underscores the importance of player participation in high-profile events and suggests a need for reevaluation of scheduling to accommodate player health. MLS Commissioner Don Garber has acknowledged this situation while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining league integrity.
Austin, Texas – Major League Soccer has announced the suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba from Inter Miami for one match following their absence from the MLS All-Star Game held on Wednesday night. The league mandates that players who miss this notable event without prior medical clearance face disciplinary action, resulting in a one-game suspension for both stars.
As a result of this decision, Messi and Alba will be ineligible for Inter Miami’s upcoming match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26. The Major League Soccer confirmed the suspension in an official statement, underlining that the decision was made in line with existing league policies regarding participation at the All-Star Game.
Both players were selected for the All-Star Game through a voting process that included fans and media members, marking a significant recognition of their performances. However, neither player attended the event, leading to their suspension. This disciplinary measure highlights the league’s adherence to its rules and the importance of player participation in high-profile events.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber commented on the situation, acknowledging Messi’s exceptional impact on the league and emphasizing the need for consistency and enforcement of league policies. Garber described the choice to suspend Messi and Alba as challenging but essential to maintain the integrity of the league’s regulations. He also indicated that the league plans to review the policy surrounding participation in future All-Star Games to better accommodate players’ needs.
Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed concern over the scheduling of the All-Star Game, suggesting improvements are necessary to allow players adequate recovery time amid a demanding game schedule. Messi reportedly needed rest due to fatigue stemming from a heavy playing load, while Alba was managing a minor injury. Inter Miami has recently experienced a congested fixture schedule, having played four of their last five matches away from home and participating in various tournaments.
Prior to the suspension announcement, both Messi and Alba had engaged in training sessions with the team, which adds another layer of complexity to the decision. The coach of FC Cincinnati, Pat Noonan, confirmed that his team has prepared for their match against Inter Miami without anticipating the presence of Messi and Alba on the field.
This situation draws comparisons to a previous incident in 2018 involving Zlatan Ibrahimović, who also received a suspension for opting out of the All-Star Game. The league’s strict approach to ensuring player attendance illustrates its ongoing efforts to uphold competitive standards.
Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami is set to last until the end of the 2025 season, and discussions regarding a potential extension of his contract are reportedly ongoing. In addition to his impactful presence on the field, Messi recently featured in a “Player Spotlight” event on TikTok, which reportedly achieved record viewership numbers during the previous season, highlighting his influence even beyond traditional match play.
The suspension of Messi and Alba is a significant event in the realm of Major League Soccer, showcasing both the challenges of scheduling and the strict enforcement of league rules. With the upcoming match against FC Cincinnati on the horizon, fans are left to anticipate how Inter Miami will perform without its star players.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
LAFC Faces Portland Timbers in Pivotal Playoff Clash
MLS All-Stars Defeat Liga MX with 3-1 Win
Portland Timbers Celebrate 50th Anniversary with Historic Tifo
Brandon Vazquez Out for Season with Knee Injury
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Lionel Messi
- NBC News
- Google Search: Lionel Messi suspension
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lionel Messi
- ESPN
- Google News: Messi Alba MLS All-Star Game
- CNN
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
