Inter Miami Owner: Messi ‘Upset’ With Suspension For All-Star Game Snub

MLS Inter Miami Owner: Messi ‘Upset’ With Suspension For All-Star Game Snub

Updated Jul. 25, 2025, 8:02 p.m. ET

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been suspended for one match by Major League Soccer (MLS) for skipping the All-Star Game, the league announced on Friday. Despite being voted to participate, Messi and Alba did not take to the field for the match between MLS and Liga MX from Mexico. Messi chose not to play in order to rest during a congested schedule, while Alba was managing a previous injury.

According to MLS rules, any player who fails to participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is deemed ineligible to play in their club’s next match. Consequently, both players will miss Miami’s home game on Saturday against FC Cincinnati, who are currently at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. joey mente

This ruling has reportedly left Messi feeling upset, as noted by team owner Jorge Mas. “Lionel Messi is very upset, just like all of us at the club, about not being able to play tomorrow night. However, what we need to do as a club is to unite as one and adopt the attitude that it’s us against the world,” Mas expressed following the announcement on Friday.

While waiting for the league’s decision, both Messi and Alba practiced with the team on Friday as they prepared for Saturday’s matchup. “I know Lionel Messi loves this league,” stated MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “There’s no player — or anyone — who has contributed more to Major League Soccer than Messi. I fully comprehend, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami. dream 88 casino I also respect his decision. Unfortunately, we have a longstanding policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it sea games 2024. It was a very difficult decision.” Garber further mentioned that the league would reassess the policy and collaborate with players to determine how the rule should evolve moving forward.

Mas labeled the decision as a “draconian” punishment, adding, “They don’t understand the decision equestrian philippines. They don’t grasp why not attending an exhibition match results in a suspension.”

Reporting by The Associated Press bingo game mechanics.

What are your thoughts on this situation regarding Messi and the All-Star Game suspension?