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Donovan Warns MLS: Suspending Lionel Messi Would Backfire
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during warm-ups before the start of the Major League Soccer match against New York Red Bulls. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)

Donovan Warns MLS: Suspending Lionel Messi Would Backfire

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Marcelo Cartaxo  |  Last updated Jul 24, 2025 12:55 PM ET

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba didn’t travel to Austin for the MLS All-Star Game, which, under league rules, results in an automatic suspension for Inter Miami’s next match. But according to Landon Donovan, it’s unclear whether that protocol will actually be enforced this time.

Messi’s absence has drawn criticism from fans who feel he’s showing a lack of respect for the league. Some argue that Inter Miami is catering too much to Messi’s preferences—citing the arrival of several of his former Barcelona teammates, and now, reportedly, Rodrigo De Paul.

Just minutes before kickoff, Landon Donovan shared his thoughts on Messi’s absence through the official Instagram account of Unfiltered Soccer with Tim Howard and Landon Donovan. He recalled a similar situation from 2012 involving Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, who was still playing for the LA Galaxy at the time.

“One year—it was 2012, because the Olympics were in London—David flew after our game on a Saturday night, maybe Sunday. He had to be in London for preparations and rehearsals. Then on Tuesday, he got on a plane, flew to wherever the All-Star Game was, played the game on Wednesday, and flew back to London that night to participate in the opening ceremonies. That was not enjoyable for him. I’m sure he didn’t want to do it—but he understood how important that was to the league.”

Lionel Messi's Absence Could Hurt Both the Player and MLS

Donovan stressed that Beckham didn’t necessarily want to participate, but recognized the value of showing up for the league's showcase event. That’s what makes the Messi situation complicated.

“So this becomes a really challenging situation,” Donovan said. “And from the league’s standpoint—what do you do? Suspend him? But remember, the league and Inter Miami are currently trying to renegotiate his contract so he stays. His contract is up at the end of the season.”

Suspending Messi would mean keeping the league’s most marketable star out of Inter Miami’s next game—against FC Cincinnati. That decision could impact ticket sales and MLS viewership, especially considering Messi’s drawing power in away stadiums.

The added layer of complexity: David Beckham is not just a former player, but now a co-owner of Inter Miami. Donovan acknowledged that it's unclear what kind of conversations happened behind the scenes.

“From Messi’s standpoint, I can understand why he didn’t want to come,” Donovan said. “But it makes me appreciate David Beckham much more—doing those things he didn’t want to do because he understood the bigger picture. It puts the league in a really, really tough position. And now, it’s going to be really interesting to see how they handle it.”

As of now, MLS has not released an official statement regarding any disciplinary action. But if Messi is suspended—and feels unfairly targeted—it could influence his decision on whether to re-sign with Inter Miami for next season.

Lionel Messi – MLS 2025 Season Stats

  • Total goal contributions: 25
  • Games played: 18
  • Goals: 18
  • Assists: 7

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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