Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba Face Possible Suspension After Skipping MLS All‑Star Game

MLS Suspensions Possible for Messi and Alba After Skipping All-Star Clash

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba now face a one-game suspension following their absence from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game held in Austin, Texas, on July 23. Messi was selected through fan and media votes, while the coach and commissioner chose Alba.

However, neither participant took part in the All-Star match or the skills challenge, raising concerns under existing MLS rules.

MLS Rules May Sideline Messi, Alba Next

According to MLS rules, All-Star Game players are required to participate once selected unless they are officially declared injured. If a player withdraws without a verified medical reason, they automatically face a one-game suspension for their next club match.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber confirmed that the league is actively enforcing the rule and that discussions are ongoing with Inter Miami about whether Messi or Alba will sit out the upcoming match.

The game in question is against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati. Garber added that the league will assess the situation after the All-Star Game and may allow exceptions for verified medical reasons.

He also admitted the tight Inter Miami schedule is certainly being taken into consideration by the league when granting leniency or exemption, with the player most affected by this being Messi, who has played the full 90 minutes in the majority of the matches. 

Absences Spark Debate Over All-Star Commitment

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano called for rest, saying that he would have preferred that both men stay with the squad, given their taxing calendar.

Messi has been the league's top scorer with 18 goals in as many matches, while Alba may justifiably use a knock picked up in Inter Miami's last outing as an injury exemption.

The game went on – MLS secured a 3-1 victory over Liga MX All-Stars, with Bouanga, Baribo, and Gilberto Mora in full display - even without Messi and Alba. Still, their absences have sparked discussions about player commitment to the mid-season showcase.

Some fans view this as necessary rest time for the aging players; others find it insulting to the fans and the league.

This is not without precedent: Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2018 was handed a one-match suspension for his refusal to participate in the All-Star Game, criticizing the rule as ‘ridiculous.’ 

What Happens Next?

MLS will decide whether Messi or Alba receives a suspension and misses Miami's next match, a regular-season face-off with FC Cincinnati this coming Saturday.

Any decision must take into account pressures relative to player workload and injury against the backdrop of league rules.

Inter Miami is poised to enter a make-or-break phase - morale and performance could swing the other way, depending on whether their superstar duo is available.