MLS Upholds Shocking Bans for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba Following All-Star Game Controversy
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have received one-game bans following their non-appearance at Wednesday evening's All-Star match.
The Inter Miami CF duo were both selected for the 26-man squad to take on Liga MX, however neither athlete made the trip for the contest and were consequently dropped from the lineup just hours before kickoff.
The MLS All-Stars secured a 3–1 victory, but focus immediately shifted to potential disciplinary action against Messi and Alba from the league officials, as regulations mandate a one-match suspension for non-participation.
Their unavailability for Miami's MLS encounter with FC Cincinnati this Saturday has now been officially announced. The statement declared: "Inter Miami CF's Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi will not be available for the club's fixture against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, following their non-attendance at this week's Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
"According to league regulations, any player who fails to take part in the All-Star Game without prior league authorization is prohibited from competing in their club's subsequent match."
During his pre-game press conference on Friday, manager Javier Mascherano informed journalists that he hadn't been notified of any possible player unavailability, instead explaining that Messi was experiencing tiredness and hadn't participated in substantial training throughout the week.
"Well, Messi displayed typical fatigue from the volume of matches and playing time he's accumulated," the Argentine manager explained. "Look, players consistently experience discomfort, particularly when competing every three days. But fortunately, he is returning today. Let's hope he can practice with the squad so we can rely on them for tomorrow's fixture. We haven't received any [penalty.]"
The fixture against FC Cincinnati represents a crucial encounter in the Eastern Conference and MLS Supporters' Shield championship race, with Cincinnati leading both tables with 49 points, while Miami trails closely with 41 points, though holding three matches in reserve.
Two weeks prior, FC Cincinnati triumphed over Inter Miami 3–0 and their star Designated Player, Evander, received MLS All-Star captaincy recognition, following Messi's absence from that encounter.
FC Cincinnati manager Pat Noonan was similarly uncertain about Messi and Alba's participation, informing local media that the squad was preparing under the assumption that both superstars would face suspension, according to league regulations.
"I don't particularly think we require clarification. There are regulations. I'm familiar with those," he stated, before MLS' decision was announced. "We're operating under the assumption that we'll prepare for the match without those two being available."
Mascherano Blames Fixture Congestion
Mascherano noted that Inter Miami have contested the highest number of matches in "this semester" thus far. Nevertheless, the club has played two fewer contests through the Concacaf Champions Cup, MLS regular season, the FIFA Club World Cup compared to other MLS teams, such as Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who have competed in 34 matches and contributed four players to the All-Star Game.
Additionally, Mascherano has frequently avoided rotating his squad, depending on a core group of 15 players, with Messi having featured in 23 matches exceeding 80 minutes this campaign. However, he didn't criticize the concept of an MLS All-Star Game, instead suggesting it requires better scheduling integration.
"What I believe is that if they wish to organize this type of event, it's excellent to do so, and honestly, it's beneficial for the league," he commented. "There shouldn't be a scheduled date. It's absurd. We've been competing in four of the previous five matches away. We've been playing four away. We've been competing essentially every three days."
Messi also escaped penalties for missing the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, but had sustained an injury while representing Argentina at the 2024 Copa América, whereas Alba and Sergio Busquets participated in the event as complete contributors.
Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 7:15 pm ET at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.