Messi Suspended for Skipping All-Star Game
Despite being named to the All-Star roster, neither player participated in Wednesday's event, and both were deemed fit to play. Per MLS rules, unexcused absences from the All-Star Game result in an automatic one-match suspension.
As a result, Messi will miss Inter Miami's match against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on Saturday. The Argentine icon has been in top form this season with 18 goals, helping drive Inter Miami's playoff push.
"Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval is ineligible to compete in their club's next match," MLS said in a statement.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision, despite Messi's unparalleled impact on the league. "I know Lionel Messi loves this league, but we have a long-standing policy regarding All-Star participation, and we had to enforce it," Garber said.
The ruling sparked backlash from Inter Miami, particularly managing owner Jorge Mas, who called the policy "draconian" and said the suspension penalized fans, sponsors, and partners like Apple TV. He explained that the decision to rest Messi and Alba was made by the club in light of a demanding fixture schedule.
'Both players were extremely upset,' Mas said. 'I expressed our disagreement with the league's decision, but notwithstanding that, the decision is what it is.'
All-Star games are a hallmark of American sports culture but remain a controversial concept in soccer. Garber hinted at future revisions to the rule, stating, 'I'm committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve.'
While Messi's absence from the pitch will be brief, the episode highlights the growing pains MLS faces as it balances American sports traditions with the realities of global football — and with managing its biggest-ever star.
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