News Summary
Major League Soccer has suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami for one match due to their absence from the MLS All-Star Game. This decision highlights the league’s strict attendance policies, which enforce a one-match suspension for players who miss the event without prior medical approval. As both stars prepare to sit out against FC Cincinnati, discussions about player scheduling and commitment arise. The league is considering a review of its policies, especially as player workloads increase during busy seasons.
Austin, Texas
Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami have been suspended for one match after failing to attend the MLS All-Star Game. The event, which took place on Wednesday night in Austin, Texas, saw the absence of both star players, prompting the league to enforce its existing policies regarding player attendance.
According to league regulations, players who miss the All-Star Game without prior medical approval face a one-match suspension. As a result, Messi and Alba will sit out Inter Miami’s upcoming match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26. The league has issued a formal statement confirming that both players are ineligible to participate in this crucial game due to their absence from the All-Star event.
Impact on Inter Miami
Both Messi and Alba were voted into the All-Star Game by fans and media, but chose not to attend. This decision raises questions regarding player availability and league commitments, especially as Inter Miami prepares for a match against FC Cincinnati, who are readying their strategies without the key players. FC Cincinnati’s coach has stated that they made their preparations under the assumption that Messi and Alba would not take the field.
MLS Commissioner has reiterated Messi’s invaluable contribution to the league, highlighting his dedication to both MLS and Inter Miami. The decision to suspend both players was described as challenging, yet necessary to uphold league policies. This move comes during a time when the league is contemplating a review of its policies surrounding All-Star Game participation — an issue that could become increasingly relevant as player schedules become more congested.
Context of Absence
Inter Miami’s coach has pointed out the need for improved scheduling of the All-Star Game, citing player fatigue and minor injuries as reasons for Messi and Alba’s absence. Specifically, Messi was rested following an intensive string of games, while Alba was managing a small injury. The team’s recent schedule has been demanding, with four of their last five games played away and participation in multiple tournaments contributing to the players’ physical strain.
Prior to the suspension announcement, both Messi and Alba had participated in training sessions, indicating their commitment to the club ahead of their match against FC Cincinnati.
Historical Precedent
This is not the first time MLS has enforced suspensions for missed All-Star events. In 2018, another high-profile player, Zlatan Ibrahimović, faced a similar suspension for missing the game. The consistency of the league’s approach underscores its intention to maintain standards regarding player participation and accountability in high-profile events.
Future Prospects
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami extends until the end of the 2025 season, and discussions regarding a potential extension are ongoing. Additionally, the league has recently launched a “Player Spotlight” event on TikTok featuring Messi, which achieved record viewership numbers last season, showing the ongoing interest in his involvement with the league.
As MLS looks ahead, the suspension of Messi and Alba may spark broader conversations about how player workload is managed, especially during the busy summer months. Observers will be watching closely to see how the league balances player welfare against the high stakes of league events in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
LAFC Faces Portland Timbers in Crucial Matchup
MLS Triumphs Over Liga MX in All-Star Showdown
Portland Timbers Celebrate 50th Anniversary with Historic Tifo and Victory
Brandon Vazquez Out for MLS Season Due to 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 CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
