The stars will each get a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star Game despite their heavy workload this summer

The reason why Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba have been suspended for their club’s next MLS fixture has been revealed. The pair will be suspended for their next game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday after missing Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game against Mexico’s Liga MX without approval from the league.

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Más said on Friday that the club disagrees with the decision by MLS to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for one game after they both missed the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. “It's a bad rule, but it's a rule nonetheless," Más told reporters, via Franco Panizo.

Messi ha firmado dobletes en seis de sus últimos siete partidos. El astro argentino está empatado con Sam Surridge (Nashville) en la cima de la tabla de goleadores de la MLS con 18 dianas. Mientras esperaban la decisión de la liga, tanto Messi como Alba se entrenaron con el club el viernes en anticipación de jugar el sábado.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba missed the All-Star Game this week. MLS provided an update on their status against FC Cincinnati.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba's status for Inter Miami's crucial match against FC Cincinnati remains "under review" despite comments from head coach Javier Mascherano on Friday.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have not been sanctioned for skipping Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, their coach confirmed Friday. Both players were voted into the showcase by the fans and media but neither featured in the MLS squad's 3-1 win against the Liga MX All-Stars.

MLS suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba from Inter Miami's next match because of their decisions to skip the 2025 All-Star Game, the league announced Friday.