Will Lionel Messi be suspended for missing 2025 MLS All-Star Game?

Lionel Messi and his teammate Jordi Alba could face a suspension for skipping the 2025 MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday. Previously, Messi also missed the 2024 MLS All-Star Game after suffering an ankle injury while representing Argentina at the Copa América. Naturally, speculation increased when both Inter Miami stars missed Monday's training session, leading many to believe they would not participate in this year's event. However, an MLS spokesperson confirmed that Inter Miami had notified the league that both players would be absent. After the 2024 season filled with injury, the 38-year-old Messi has played every minute of Inter Miami's last 19 games. Lionel Messi MLS games are always interesting with Messi's hard work on the ground. The Herons currently have a record of 12 wins, four draws, and five losses, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference after 21 games. Additionally, both players were part of the Inter Miami lineup during Saturday's impressive 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Alba scored the team's first goal, while Messi added two more in the second half.

Will Messi and Alba face suspension?

As per the MLS rules, players who are not injured and choose not to participate in the All-Star Game face a one-match suspension. If this rule is enforced, Messi would miss Inter Miami’s home game on Saturday against FC Cincinnati. Similarly, former LA Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimović was suspended for one game after missing the 2018 All-Star Game against Serie A team Juventus. MLS Commissioner Don Garber has not yet commented on whether Messi will face a suspension. However, he noted that Messi has recently gone through a demanding schedule of games. Despite his continuous participation in all of Inter Miami's matches, Messi has shown no signs of injury.

What is the MLS All-Star Game?

Since its inception in 1996, Major League Soccer’s All-Star Game is an exhibition match, in which a team of the league's best players is assembled, similar to the All-Star games in other North American leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL. This year’s MLS All-Star Game is set for July 23 and will feature the MLS All-Stars going up against the Liga MX All-Stars. This matchup marks the fourth time these two leagues have faced each other in this format. Out of the 30 players selected for the MLS team, 14 are from countries outside the US, Canada, and Mexico, showcasing the league's global diversity. As the MLS celebrates its 30th season, this will be the 29th All-Star Game, as the 2020 edition was canceled. Currently, MLS holds a 2–1 advantage in the series against Liga MX, although the Mexican league secured a convincing 4-1 victory last year.