As Inter Miami prepares for a crucial clash against Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati, the lingering question remains: Will Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba be suspended for missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game? Head coach Javier Mascherano has finally broken the silence, delivering a critical update on the status of the superstar duo — and easing the anxiety of fans in South Florida.
Despite MLS’s long-standing rule that any player who skips the All-Star Game without a valid medical excuse faces a one-game suspension, Messi and Alba appear to have escaped punishment. The two Inter Miami players were voted into the All-Star lineup by fans and media but were not present in Austin for the league’s marquee showcase, a match the MLS All-Stars won 3-1 over Liga MX’s top players.
Speaking on Friday, Mascherano explained the absence: “Messi showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he’s been playing,” the coach said, per ESPN.
“Players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days. But luckily, [Messi] 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].”
Intense workload behind the scenes
The 38-year-old Messi has played every minute in 22 of 23 matches since April 2, an extraordinary workload for any player, let alone one nearing the twilight of his career. That stretch includes nine matches in just 35 days since Inter Miami’s first FIFA Club World Cup fixture on June 14.
Alba, who was substituted due to injury during the team’s 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls on July 19, also missed the All-Star Game. His recent knock gave him a stronger case to avoid punishment, though neither player’s medical excuse was publicly clarified in advance of the event.
MLS commissioner Don Garber addressed the issue diplomatically during his All-Star press conference, stating, “We would have loved to have Leo here. We’d have loved to have every player that was selected for the All-Star team here. And after this All-Star Game, we’ll figure out what needs to happen this weekend.”
Despite league rules being firm, no official decision was announced by the league ahead of Inter Miami’s next match, leading many to speculate that MLS may have opted for discretion over discipline.
Matter of scheduling
Mascherano didn’t hold back when discussing the broader issue of how the All-Star Game is scheduled: “The All-Star Game is great for the league, but there shouldn’t be a date in the middle of the schedule,” he said. “We’ve been playing four of the last five games away, practically every three days. After a game on Wednesday, some teams are expected to play again within 48 hours — that’s not right.”
He continued, emphasizing player welfare: “Football belongs to the players. Without players, there is no football. We must organize these events in a way that doesn’t jeopardize their health and performance.”
