Lionel Messi, Major League Soccer's biggest star, was suspended for one match after not showing up to the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, a fact that has generated controversy within the Inter Miami environment and among the league's fans.

Along with Messi, His teammate and former Spain international Jordi Alba was also suspended for failing to comply with the mandatory participation in the match between the MLS and Liga MX All-Stars.

Both players were selected by vote to take part in the event that took place midweek in Austin, Texas, but did not travel.

Why was Messi suspended?

According to MLS rules, any player selected for the All-Star Game who does not participate without prior authorization from the league is automatically ineligible for the next official match with his club.

Despite Messi resting due to physical load and Alba carrying an injury, the MLS applied the rules strictly.

As a result, both will miss the key match this Saturday, where Inter Miami (41 points in 21 games) will host the Eastern Conference leader, FC Cincinnati (48 points in 24 games).

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas described the decision as draconian, publicly expressing his annoyance:

They don't understand the decision. "They don't understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension," Mas said. "That's not right for the players."

Messi, the scorer who won't be able to add to his tally

Messi leads the MLS scoring charts with 18 goals, tied with Sam Surridge (Nashville). He has scored six braces in his last seven matches and has been instrumental in Inter Miami's excellent season.

The Argentine trained normally with the team this Friday, as did Jordi Alba, anticipating that both would play against Cincinnati. The sanction prevents them from doing so.