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MLS Suspends Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Skipping All-Star Game

On July 25, 2025, MLS announced that Inter Miami players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba would be suspended for one match after they failed to participate in the midweek MLS All-Star event without obtaining prior league approval.
The suspension occurred because both players missed the All-Star Game without prior league approval, triggering enforcement of a long-standing MLS policy.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano explained Messi rested due to recent fatigue from an intense schedule, while Alba was recovering from a knock sustained in a prior match.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, "I don’t think there’s been a player... who has done more for MLS than Leo Messi has," and affirmed enforcement while promising to review the policy.
As a result, Messi and Alba will miss Inter Miami’s highly-anticipated July 26 Matchday 27 game against first-place FC Cincinnati at home.

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