Lionel Messi is reportedly “extremely upset” after being suspended by Major League Soccer for skipping the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
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Messi and Jordi Alba were selected for the All-Star squad but missed both the skills challenge and the game in Austin, Texas.
As per MLS rules, players who fail to attend the All-Star Game without league approval receive a one-game suspension.
On Friday, MLS confirmed that both players are suspended and unavailable for Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said the reaction from Messi and Alba was predictable, calling them competitive players who love playing.
“They don’t understand why skipping an exhibition leads to suspension. The rule is what it is,” Mas said on Friday.
Mas voiced strong disagreement with the rule and has already expressed his concerns to MLS Commissioner Don Garber directly.
He admitted the ban could impact player perception of the league but hoped it wouldn’t damage Messi’s long-term commitment, reports Metro.
Don Garber acknowledged Messi’s importance and promised to review the policy with players in the future to evolve the rule.
“This was a very difficult decision,” Garber said. “We’ll work closely with players to see how this policy should change.”
