Particle.news
Download on the App Store
25 ARTICLES
·
5h ago

MLS Suspends Messi and Alba Under All-Star Participation Rule

Saturday’s ban of Inter Miami’s two superstars underscores league governance tensions as the Supporters’ Shield race tightens.

Image
Jul 19, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with defender Jordi Alba (18) after goal during the second half against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images/File Photo
Image
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts during the MLS match between New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami CF at Sports Illustrated Stadium on July 19, 2025 in Harrison, New Jersey.

Overview

  • Major League Soccer ruled on Friday that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are ineligible for Inter Miami’s July 26 match against FC Cincinnati after skipping the MLS All-Star Game without a league exemption.
  • Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas branded the one-match suspension “draconian” and revealed that Messi was “extremely upset” about the enforcement.
  • The suspensions follow Inter Miami’s decision to rest Messi and Alba after a congested schedule saw them play nine matches in 36 days.
  • FC Cincinnati, atop the Eastern Conference, will face Miami without its two star attackers in a fixture that could reshape the Supporters’ Shield standings, with Miami holding three games in hand.
  • Commissioner Don Garber said the enforcement was necessary to uphold a long-standing policy put in place in 2015 to deter players from missing the All-Star Game without medical justification.