Lionel Messi has been suspended for one sport after sitting out the MLS All-Star Game with out prior approval, the league mentioned on Friday (July 25, 2025).
The Inter Miami ahead and his teammate, Jordi Alba, didn’t compete on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) regardless of not being injured, although they have been included within the All-Star roster.
“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,” MLS mentioned in a press release.
The suspension will see Messi, the league’s foremost attraction, miss Inter Miami’s match in opposition to FC Cincinnati on Saturday (July 26, 2025). Cincinnati lead the Eastern Conference standings.
Messi has scored 18 objectives up to now this season.
“I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s a player – or anyone – who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber mentioned in a press release.
“Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.”
All-Star competitions are a mainstay of North American sports activities, the place the lads’s “Big Four” leagues use the exhibitions to spice up their gamers’ profiles, however a rarity in skilled soccer.
“We’re going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve,” mentioned Garber.
Messi rested this week, in response to Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
“Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days,” Mascherano was quoted as saying by ESPN.
