MLS benches its own star: Messi suspended for missing All-Star Game | OneFootball

Lionel Messi will not be on the pitch this Saturday, July 26, when Inter Miami faces FC Cincinnati — and the reason is sparking backlash across the soccer world and opening up the doors for a throughout examination of how we view and expect from high profile athletes.

The poster boy of the league and de facto captain for MLS All Stars, along with veteran left back and eternal sidekick Jordi Alba have both been suspended by Major League Soccer for skipping the 2025 All-Star Game without what they considered to be "an approved medical reason or prior authorization". Under MLS policy, this triggers an automatic one-match suspension during regular league play, which the league saw no choice but to enforce.

The timing couldn't be worse. Messi has scored 8 of Inter Miami's last 16 goals since returning from Club World Cup duty — exactly half of the team's output. Now, just as the club surges toward the top of the Eastern Conference, it will have to do without its No. 10.

The Rule Behind the Drama

MLS requires all selected players to attend the All-Star Game, unless they are officially ruled out due to injury, in which case they must provide proof. Neither Messi nor Alba submitted such documentation, and the league swiftly enforced its long-standing policy.

Commissioner Don Garber was quick to appease the controversy with measured words about the incident. Still, his owners were also fast to mention this could have ramifications beyond his suspension. They could affect his decision to stay in the US:

"I know Messi loves this league. But we have a long-standing policy, and we must apply it fairly."

Fair, maybe. But also lack an understanding of just how much the superstar has carried the league, its broadcaster, and even its opponents in the last three seasons? Maybe. However, it should have been observed before assuming that load management would be acceptable for Don Garber and the e. It seemed to have caught them off guard, making them appear to be false advertisers of a product Americans openly dislike: an All-Star Game with nothing but pride on the line. Tired, overplayed players don't like to play just for pride. It's simply naive to think they do.

Opinion: The Rule Hurts the League More Than Messi

Opinion: The rule hurts MLS more than Messi (Lionel Messi / Instagram)

For fans who grew up watching legendary No. 10s, Messi's absence from a match for skipping an exhibition feels like something out of a petty competition. For the more purists of the game: 'a betrayal of football's soul'.

No, it's not just about the player — it's about what his ambassadorship to football to those who don't get it: the vision, tempo, elegance. Messi is Miami's conductor. His absence strips the team — and the match — of its magic against a top opponent of the East.

More frustrating is that this isn't a suspension due to misconduct or foul play. It's for missing a friendly in the middle of a grueling calendar. In an era of sports science and load management, the league's rigidity looks out of touch.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano criticized the decision, saying player well-being should take precedence over bureaucracy. Club president Jorge Mas went further, calling the suspension "Draconian" and revealing that Messi is "deeply frustrated" by how it's being handled.

Projected Lineup Without Messi and Alba

Even without two of its field generals, Inter Miami is chasing a sixth straight win — and will need to reorganize to stay competitive against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati.

Expect Mascherano to lean into an aggressive midfield press and ride Suárez's finishing form, hoping that Redondo and Allende can inject enough spark to offset the Messi-sized hole in the attack.

Final Whistle: Policy vs. Common Sense

The decision highlights how MLS values its most valuable assets. Messi isn't just another rostered player — he's a global icon driving ticket sales, streaming numbers, and international media exposure.

Could this situation have been handled with more nuance? Absolutely.

Now, Inter Miami must chase crucial points without its maestro. At the same time, the league faces tough questions about the balance between principle and pragmatism in the era of superstar-driven sports.