Major League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba for one match due to their absence from the MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX, held earlier this week. Both players were voted into the All-Star roster but did not participate, citing rest amid a heavy match schedule involving Inter Miami, including the FIFA Club World Cup and MLS fixtures. The league's rules stipulate that players who skip the event without an approved medical reason may face disciplinary action. The suspension means Messi and Alba will be unavailable for Inter Miami's upcoming match against FC Cincinnati. Inter Miami Managing Owner Jorge Mascherano confirmed the sanction and commented on Messi's reaction to the one-game ban. The situation has drawn attention as other players, such as James Rodríguez, also withdrew from the All-Star Game and may face similar penalties. MLS officially announced the sanctions on July 25, 2025.