Lionel Messi Banned: MLS Enforces All-Star Game Rule
Major League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Lionel Messi for one match, along with his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba. The ban stems from their decision to skip the MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, on July 23, 2025. MLS officially announced the suspension on July 26, 2025, leading to both players missing Inter Miami's crucial home game against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati.
Messi Skips All-Star Game Amid Fatigue Concerns
The decision for Messi and Alba to withdraw from the All-Star Game was made by Inter Miami, with coach Javier Mascherano citing concerns about player fatigue due to a demanding schedule. The club informed league officials of their intentions prior to the game, and the duo was subsequently removed from the All-Star roster. Messi reportedly experienced "normal fatigue" and had limited training in the week leading up to the event.
MLS Commissioner Defends "Difficult Decision"
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, especially considering Messi's significant impact on the league. However, he emphasized the importance of upholding the league's "long-standing policy," which states that 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. Garber expressed a commitment to re-evaluating the policy in the future, taking into account the welfare of players.
Inter Miami Co-owner Slams "Draconian" Punishment
In contrast to the league's stance, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas criticized the ban as "draconian," stating that Messi and Alba were "very upset" and "don't understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension." Mas warned that the suspension could negatively affect Messi's future relationship with the league, particularly as his current contract with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of 2025. He clarified that the decision to skip the All-Star Game was a club initiative to prevent potential injuries, fully aware of the existing rule.
The Rule Behind the Ban
The MLS rule in question explicitly states that players who fail to participate in the All-Star Game without prior league approval are ineligible for their club's subsequent match. This regulation is designed to ensure the All-Star Game remains a prominent event and to prevent teams from prioritizing regular-season games over the exhibition. However, the strict enforcement of this rule, particularly against a high-profile player like Messi, has sparked considerable debate.
Fan Reaction and Controversy
The suspension has generated a mixed reaction from fans and pundits. Some support the league's decision to enforce its rules, arguing that consistency is essential. Others, particularly Messi's fans and Inter Miami supporters, view the ban as excessive and detrimental to the league's overall appeal. Some have suggested that the league deliberately withheld information about Messi's All-Star status to generate more buzz for the event, adding to the controversy.
Potential Consequences for Inter Miami and MLS
The absence of Messi and Alba from the match against FC Cincinnati is a significant setback for Inter Miami's aspirations in the Eastern Conference. Beyond the immediate competitive impact, the situation raises concerns about Messi's long-term relationship with MLS. Jorge Mas has voiced worries that the ban could damage this relationship, potentially influencing Messi's future decisions beyond his current contract. Moreover, the absence of a global star like Messi from a high-profile game could negatively impact viewership and the league's attractiveness, particularly to international audiences.
Player Welfare Debate Intensifies
The incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding player welfare within MLS and the broader soccer world. With an increasingly congested schedule, including new tournaments like the expanded Club World Cup, there is growing concern about player workload and the need to balance exhibition games with competitive fixtures. The MLS Players Association (MLSPA) has historically been involved in discussions regarding player welfare, scheduling, and compensation, particularly in disputes over Club World Cup prize money and the potential for a winter-based schedule. Any changes to the All-Star Game participation rules would likely require collective bargaining with the MLSPA.
Garber Hints at Future Policy Changes
Commissioner Garber's acknowledgment that the league will re-evaluate the All-Star Game policy suggests potential changes to prevent similar issues in the future. This could involve revising the participation requirements, providing greater flexibility for players with heavy workloads, or adjusting the penalties for non-participation. However, any such changes would need to consider the interests of all stakeholders, including the league, the teams, and the players.
