'Getting Suspended'- Lionel Messi's Absence at MLS All-Stars Training Sets the Internet On Fire

Today, the MLS All-Stars began their first training session ahead of the match this Wednesday.

The issue is that Messi or Jordi Alba was not present in the training session. The two Inter Miami stars are still expected to play the game, but if the players refuse, they could face suspension.

Lionel Messi Could Get Suspended For Inter Miami's Next Game

Reactions to Messi's absence in the MLS All-Star training session caused concern among some fans. While some Inter Miami's want Messi to rest instead of playing the friendly game, the Argentine's refusal to play without injury could result in him facing suspension.

One fan on X wrote, "Well, they both getting suspended for the Cincinnati game then," about Messi and Alba's absence in the training session. Another fan wrote, "Messi and Inter Miami need to do better; they need to respect the league."

The rules suggest that players selected to the MLS All-Star team who decline to participate without a valid reason (like injury) will be suspended from one regular-season league match.

Messi and Inter Miami's next game will be against FC Cincinnati on Saturday at Chase Stadium. Messi missed last year's MLS All-Star Game due to an ankle injury he sustained at the 2024 Copa America final.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic faced suspension for missing MLS All-Star Game

A star player who faced suspension for refusing to play in the MLS All-Star game was ZlatanIbrahimovic. In 2018, Ibrahimovic refused to play three games in seven days. The Swedish striker decided to miss the All-Star game despite being healthy.

Ibrahimovic missed LA Galaxy's next game following the MLS All-Star Game in 2018 against Juventus. Ibrahimovic issued a statement in regard to him missing the friendly game, but he couldn't avoid facing the one-game suspension given by the MLS.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2018: "I am disappointed to miss the 2018 All-Star game against Juventus, one of my former clubs. I want to thank the fans for voting me to the team. My main focus is to score goals and help the LA Galaxy to the playoffs."