News Summary
MLS has suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for missing the All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. The suspension comes as a result of their absence without medical approval, rendering them ineligible for the upcoming match against FC Cincinnati. This decision emphasizes the league’s commitment to enforcing participation policies while also highlighting the ongoing discussions regarding player rest and scheduling in the league.
Austin, Texas — MLS Suspends Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Missing All-Star Game
Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Friday that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami have been suspended for one game following their absence from the MLS All-Star Game held in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday night. The league has enforced this disciplinary action in accordance with established rules concerning player participation in the mid-season showcase event.
Details of the Suspension
The league’s policy stipulates that players who do not attend the All-Star Game without prior medical approval are subject to a suspension for one match. As both Messi and Alba missed the event without official permission, they are now ineligible to participate in Inter Miami’s upcoming fixture against FC Cincinnati scheduled for Saturday, July 26.
The league confirmed that both players, who were voted into the All-Star lineup by fans and media members, did not attend the game. Their absence has triggered the suspension, emphasizing the league’s commitment to enforcing its policies uniformly across all teams and players.
Impact on Inter Miami and the Upcoming Match
As a result of the suspension, Messi and Alba will miss the critical match against Cincinnati. The team will need to adjust its lineup accordingly, knowing that key players will be unavailable. The affected game is significant, especially considering the tight schedule for Inter Miami, which has been competing in multiple tournaments alongside their regular league fixtures.
Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, highlighted that their congested schedule has contributed to the players’ circumstances. Messi was rested due to fatigue stemming from a busy fixture list, while Alba was dealing with a minor injury. Both players participated in club training sessions prior to the league’s announcement of the suspension, indicating their readiness to play but inability to attend the All-Star Game.
League’s Response and Future Policy Review
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged that Messi’s influence on the league has been significant, with his contributions seen as unparalleled since joining MLS. Garber expressed that the decision to suspend Messi and Alba was “very difficult” but necessary to uphold the integrity of league policies. He also indicated that the league is reviewing the existing policies about All-Star Game participation and may consider modifications to better account for player rest and injury management in future seasons.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
This suspension echoes similar past incidents, including a notable case in 2018 when Zlatan Ibrahimović was suspended after missing the All-Star Game. Such cases highlight ongoing debates around scheduling and player welfare within MLS’s Mega Event calendar.
The league’s decision comes amid ongoing conversations about the importance of balancing competitive integrity with player health and rest. While Lionel Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2025 season, discussions about extending his stay continue, with the league keen to maintain his high-profile presence.
Public and Team Reactions
The team’s coaching staff has expressed understanding of the league’s policies but also emphasized the need for better scheduling to prevent conflicting commitments. FC Cincinnati’s coach, Pat Noonan, shared that his team prepared under the assumption that Messi and Alba would not be available, demonstrating the practical impact of the suspension.
Meanwhile, the league has recently promoted a “Player Spotlight” event featuring Messi on TikTok, which garnered record viewership last season, underscoring his popularity and influence in MLS.
Conclusion
The suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba underscores MLS’s commitment to policy enforcement, even when it involves high-profile players. As the league reviews its policies, stakeholder discussions on scheduling, player rest, and event management are likely to gain importance. Fans and teams will be watching closely to see how MLS adapts its approach to future All-Star Games and player participation rules.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Lionel Messi
- NBC News
- Google Search: Lionel Messi suspension
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lionel Messi
- ESPN
- Google News: Messi Alba MLS All-Star Game
- CNN
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