Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba Suspended by MLS for Skipping All-Star Game

Major League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba after both players failed to show up for this week’s All-Star events.

Despite being voted into the MLS All-Star team, Messi and Alba missed the skills challenge on Tuesday and were also absent from the All-Star match against Mexico’s Liga MX stars on Wednesday.

According to MLS rules, players who skip the All-Star game without an approved reason must serve a one-match suspension. On Friday, the league confirmed that both Messi and Alba will miss Inter Miami’s game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday night as a result.

Reacting to the decision, Inter Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas revealed that Messi is “extremely upset” about the suspension. Mas also made it clear he doesn’t support the rule, saying, “I don’t agree with the rule. I’ve made my thoughts known to the commissioner very plainly.”

The suspension has sparked mixed reactions, especially from fans eager to see Messi in action. While rules are rules, some believe exceptions should be made for top players with heavy schedules.

Still, for now, Messi and Alba will sit this one out — and MLS is standing by its decision.