MLS Suspends Messi and Jordi Alba for Skipping All-Star Game: What It Means for Fans

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba won’t play in Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati. Their absence follows their choice to skip the MLS All-Star Game this past Wednesday.

According to the league, any player who misses the All-Star Game without approval faces suspension for their team’s next match. Messi was reportedly rested due to fatigue, while Alba had a minor injury.

In a recent interview, MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed how tough it was to suspend Messi. “Messi loves this league,” Garber said. “His presence has changed MLS. We must showcase our players and hold events that increase interest in the league.” He acknowledged Messi’s commitment and also noted the need to adapt the rules to fit the realities of today’s game.

Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, suggested that hosting the All-Star Game on weekends could prevent such conflicts in the future. He believed both players might have been ready for Saturday’s match, noting Messi’s recent fatigue levels. Since April, Messi has played nearly every match and has even participated in multiple games over a short span.

As Messi recuperates, FC Cincinnati’s coach, Pat Noonan, shared that his team is preparing as if Messi and Alba aren’t playing. Cincinnati’s star players participated in the All-Star festivities, showcasing their commitment to the club, with Noonan stating, “Our guys have always gone to represent our club.”

This isn’t the first time an All-Star absence led to a suspension. In 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimović faced the same fate for missing the game. Suspending Messi, a superstar and league MVP, carries significant weight, impacting viewership, playoff strategies, and the ongoing contract discussions for Messi, whose current deal ends in 2025.

Interestingly, Messi remains a key draw for the league. Recently, MLS announced a special TikTok broadcast featuring Messi for four of Inter Miami’s upcoming matches. Last season, a similar spotlight event attracted over 6.4 million viewers, breaking records for a U.S. sports event on the platform.

Garber hopes Messi sees the league’s perspective. “He’s played more games than almost anyone. We need to address this going forward,” he said, reaffirming that the league must continuously adapt to serve its players and fans better.

For more information on league policies and player commitments, you can read further from MLS’s official site here.

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