Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba Suspended After Missing MLS All-Star Game

Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have both been handed one-match suspensions by Major League Soccer (MLS) after failing to appear at the MLS All-Star Game without prior approval.

The ruling means the duo will be unavailable for Inter Miami's upcoming fixture against FC Cincinnati, as confirmed by the league in an official statement.

According to MLS regulations, any player selected for the All-Star Game who skips the event without an authorized medical or personal exemption is automatically suspended for the next club match.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano had previously stated that both players were fit to play — with Messi suffering from fatigue and Alba nursing a minor injury picked up in a clash with the New York Red Bulls.

Nevertheless, the league moved forward with disciplinary action, citing a precedent from 2018 when Zlatan Ibrahimović received a similar suspension under the same policy.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the controversy, admitting that the league "could have coordinated the situation more effectively" given the high-profile nature of the players involved.

Coach Mascherano did not hold back in his criticism, calling the current schedule "unrealistic" and suggesting that the MLS All-Star Game should be held over a weekend, rather than sandwiched between regular season matches — especially during a period of intense fixture congestion.

Inter Miami will also be without Maxi Falcón for the Cincinnati match, as the Uruguayan defender serves a one-game ban for accumulation of yellow cards.