Jul 20, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) acknowledges fans as team owner Jorge Mas looks on after he is honored before the match between Inter Miami CF and Chicago Fire FC at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

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Inter Miami Furious Over Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba’s Suspension

Both Messi and Alba were eager to suit up for Saturday’s high-stake game but were left bewildered by their suspension.

Tensions are running high at Inter Miami after Major League Soccer handed Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba a one-match suspension for skipping the MLS All-Star Game. The suspension has sidelined the Inter Miami star duo for a key clash against FC Cincinnati and triggered an outcry within the club.

The duo’s suspension stemmed from a MLS regulation stating that any player who skips the All-Star Game without prior league approval will be suspended for their next club match. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas was quick to emphasize that the decision to withdraw the players from the exhibition was made by Inter Miami and not by the players.

Lionel Messi Is Very Upset: Jorge Mas

Jorge Mas didn’t hold back in a fiery press conference on Friday. He described the league’s action as “draconian” and revealed that Messi is “extremely upset” at the decision. Mas further called the league’s rigid application of the rule “unjust”. Mas cited an intense fixture schedule as the reason behind Messi and Alba’s absence from the All-Star Game.

Notably, Inter Miami played nine matches in just 36 days across the MLS regular season, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and the Leagues Cup. As a result, Mas said that the club was justified for prioritizing the long-term health of Messi and Alba.

Also Read: Ilia Topuria Praises Lionel Messi As The Best, Teases Another Sports Icon He Wants To Meet!

Mas said,

“Lionel Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club, with the fact that they won’t be able to play tomorrow night. But I think what we have to do as a club is to get together as one, have an attitude that is us against the world.”

“I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long term. Will it have an impact initially in the player’s perception of how the league rules work, etc.? Absolutely, no doubt.”

🚨 Jorge Mas: "Leo Messi is extremely upset. I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term”.

“Will it have an impact on his perception on the league and its rules? No doubt”.

"Lionel is different from everyone else. He wants to participate in competitive matches."

"He is… pic.twitter.com/PQKggHYBg5
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 25, 2025

According to Mas, both Messi and Alba were eager to suit up for Saturday’s high-stakes game but were left bewildered by the outcome. Mas claimed that Inter Miami had notified MLS in advance but the club was told that the suspension would still be strictly enforced.

Inter Miami

Jordi Alba

Jorge Masvidal

Lionel Messi

MLS

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.