Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba Suspended by MLS vs. FC Cincinnati for Missing All-Star Game

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been suspended for Inter Miami's crucial match against FC Cincinnati after missing this week's All-Star Game.

MLS confirmed that Messi and Alba would be unavailable for Saturday's contest after Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano implied neither player would miss the game.

"Well, Messi showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he's been playing. ... Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days. But luckily, he is returning today. Let's hope he can train alongside the group so we can count on both of them for tomorrow's game. We haven't received any [sanction]."

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas later relayed Messi's disappointment with the league following the suspension, calling the rule "draconian."

“He’s very upset, extremely upset today, as expected,” Mas told reporters (h/t Paul Tenorio of The Athletic.. “I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact initially, in the players’ perception of how the league rules work? Absolutely no doubt.”

According to Becherano, MLS rules dictate that players chosen for the All-Star Game who opt against playing without an "approved medical reason" can be served a one-game suspension.

Mascherano suggested that Alba got injured during Miami's July 19 game against the New York Red Bulls, while Messi was dealing only with fatigue.

Both players returned to training on Friday, and while Mascherano did not commit to either of them playing Saturday against FC Cincinnati, he said they may be able to suit up depending on their fitness levels, according to Becherano.

The 38-year-old Messi is the reigning MLS MVP and the biggest star not only in MLS, but in the sport of soccer as a whole.

After scoring 23 goals in 25 matches across all competitions last season and leading Miami to an MLS-record point total of 74, Messi is enjoying another highly productive campaign with 24 goals in 29 matches.

If Messi is named MLS MVP again this season, he will become the first back-to-back MVP in MLS history and only the second two-time MLS MVP along with former Kansas City Wizards star Preki.

Alba, 36, is enjoying a strong season in his own right, as the left-back has two goals in 29 matches across all competitions and eight assists in 19 MLS matches.

The eight assists are tied for the 11th-most in the league, and the second-most among defenders.

Miami has not been anywhere near as dominant as a team this season as it was in 2024, as it sits fifth in the Eastern Conference and tied for seventh in the league with 41 points.

Still, Miami is a legitimate championship threat thanks to the veteran talent on its roster, and it will be a huge blow to have two of his best players unavailable on Saturday.