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Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts during the MLS match between FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami CF . (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

Inter Miami Owner Warns MLS Over Lionel Messi Suspension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 8:05 PM ET

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been suspended for Inter Miami’s next MLS fixture against FC Cincinnati after skipping the 2025 MLS All-Star game. The league's disciplinary action could have serious consequences—not just for Miami’s season, but for Messi’s future in MLS. The Argentine star’s contract expires at the end of the year, and club owner Jorge Mas isn’t happy.

Messi was suspended after delivering one of the most dominant stretches in league history: five games, five wins, a brace in each match, and several assists. Now, for the first time since arriving in the United States, he’ll miss a game due to a league-imposed ban.

“This will directly affect Messi’s perception of the league,” said Mas. “He’s extremely upset. I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term. Will it affect his view of the league and its rules? No doubt.”

⚠️ Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas on Leo Messi’s suspension: “Messi is extremely upset. I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term”.

“Will it have an impact on (Messi’s) perception on the league and its rules? No doubt”. pic.twitter.com/z9vVxZRp5Y
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025

The suspension follows an established MLS rule: players selected for the All-Star game who do not participate without medical exemption must sit out their next regular season match. The same penalty was enforced when Zlatan Ibrahimović missed the All-Star festivities during his time with LA Galaxy. With both Messi and Alba absent from the game and surrounding events, they’ll now be forced to watch from the sidelines on Saturday.

If Messi Leaves, Miami—and the MLS—Could Face a Financial Storm

Messi isn’t just a player; he’s the league’s biggest attraction. He brings global attention, massive ticket sales—even from fans rooting against him—and increased sponsorship deals. If he walks away this offseason, the financial ripple effect could be massive, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

Inter Miami built its project around Messi. The club signed his former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez. Now they’re close to adding another friend and World Cup winner: Rodrigo De Paul. The midfielder is joining from Atlético Madrid on a six-month loan, with an obligation to buy.

But De Paul is coming to play with Messi. If Messi leaves, that domino could fall quickly.

Atlético Madrid is ready to part ways with De Paul, and Inter Miami looked like the perfect landing spot. But if Messi’s suspension causes a fracture between the player and the league, and he chooses not to extend, De Paul could reconsider. The club’s long-term plan—and the league’s momentum—may hang in the balance.