Lionel Messi has been suspended for one game by Major League Soccer (MLS) for his unapproved absence from the MLS All-Star Game, the league announced on Friday. The Inter Miami forward and his teammate, Jordi Alba, did not participate in Wednesday’s game despite being on the All-Star roster and not being injured.
“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 stated in a press release. This suspension means Messi, a major draw for the league, will miss Inter Miami’s upcoming match against visiting FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Cincinnati currently leads the Eastern Conference standings. Messi has scored 18 goals this season.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber commented on the decision, stating, “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.” Garber continued, “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 staple in North American sports, with the “Big Four” men’s leagues using these exhibition games to elevate their players’ profiles. However, such events are a rarity in professional soccer. Garber indicated that the league would review its policy: “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.”
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas described both Messi and Alba as “consummate professionals” who were “extremely upset” by the suspensions. He explained that the club made the decision for the players to skip the All-Star game to prioritize their rest and health during a demanding schedule of matches. Mas strongly criticized the rule, labeling it “draconian.”
“The ones that get penalized are the club, the fans, sponsors, Apple TV, and so on,” Mas told reporters during a conference call on Friday. He added, “I expressed our disagreement with the league’s decision, and I had conversations with the commissioner both this morning and late last night. But notwithstanding that, the decision is what it is.” Mas also confirmed that there was no appeals process available for the suspension.
