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MLS Takes U-Turn on Lionel Messi's Suspension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Saurabh Saket | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 3:06 PM ET

Just when you thought the Lionel Messi MLS All-Stars circus was over, Major League Soccer have come up with a new twist in the ever-growing tale. Hours after league commissioner Don Garber refused to make any statement on the Argentine's absence, the management seems to have gone into disaster management mode after facing heat for letting Inter Miami's Messi and Jordi Alba walk away.

Major League Soccer confirmed on Friday that both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been suspended one match each for skipping the 2025 MLS All-Star game, and neither will feature for Inter Miami's home clash against Cincinnati FC.

In a statement, the league confirmed the Inter Miami skipper and Jordi Alba had been sanctioned, claiming, "due to their absence at this week’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game. Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match."

Xavier Mascherano's plans suffer an immense blow

While Major League Soccer's decision to come down strongly on its biggest star sets a major example, Messi and Jordi Alba's suspension will throw a huge wrench in head coach Xavier Mascherano's plans.

Javier Mascherano said he plans to count on Leo Messi tomorrow vs FC Cincinnati and added (almost unbelievably) that Messi hasn’t trained all week due to fatigue, not injury.

“He presented fatigue that’s normal with the games and minutes we have played.”#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/M5TJ1J5v9y
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) July 25, 2025

The Herons' head coach addressed the media before the suspension news, hoping that the team could have both players available for the Cincinnati clash. Mascherano stated, "Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days. But luckily, he is returning today. Let's hope he can train alongside the group so we can count on them for tomorrow's game. We have received no sanctions."

With both Messi and Jordi Alba now banned from the clash, Inter Miami could be in for a tough night against Cincinnati, with the side thrashing the Herons 3-0 in their last clash. Cincinnati are currently on top of the standings with 49 points to its name, and a win over Miami could help the side secure their place at the apex of the table.

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

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