The Argentine maestro has been punished by MLS bosses after skipping the recent All-Star Game.

Messi skipped the All-Star Game and has been hit with a one-game banCredit: Getty

Messi was expected to play and, as the poster boy for MLS and football around the world, be the leading man in the annual event against Mexico’s Liga MX.

But he was rested from the game due to fatigue, along with Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba who is nursing a minor injury.

MLS rules state that any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match.

It means the Miami will be without their star duo for Saturday’s match against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

Major League Soccer confirmed Messi and Alba’s suspensions in a statement, with MLS commissioner Don Garber admitting the result to ban the league’s marquee player was ‘unfortunate’.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, who shares ownership of the Florida club with his brother Jose and England legend David Beckham, was less delicate with his words as he ripped into the league over the decision.

“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,” he told a press conference on Friday 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.”

Messi’s contract at Inter Miami expires at the end of the 2025 campaign and Mas hopes this fallout doesn’t affect his decision to extend his stay in the United States.

“Messi is very upset, extremely upset today, as expected,” said the co-owner.

Inter Miami’s co-owner says Messi is not happy with MLS bosses over his suspensionCredit: Getty

Messi and Alba have both been hit with one-game bansCredit: AFP

“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.”

Both Messi and Alba have played nine matches over the past 36 days, and Mas made it clear it was the club’s decision for them not to play in the All-Star Game in the best interests of their fitness.

Since the start of the 2025 season Inter Miami have taken part in the MLS regular season, Concacaf Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, and also have the Leagues Cup to come.

Mas said: “I wanted to express today our full support for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, as the decision for them to sit out this week was made by the club. I think that is an important point.

“I want to assure everyone that Lionel and Jordi have acted in a way commeasured with what the club would want.”

Garber said MLS chiefs will look into the rule moving forward, as he appeared to regret having to enforce the suspension on Messi given the major boost he has brought to the game in the United States since his arrival.

Former Barcelona stars Messi and Alba would have faced a familiar foe in Sergio Ramos in the MLS All-Star Game, with the Real Madrid legend currently playing for Mexican side MonterreyCredit: Getty

“I know Lionel Messi loves this league, I don’t think there’s a player – or anyone – who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi,” said the commissioner.

“I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.

“Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.

“That said, we’re going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve.”

Mas said exactly what he thought of the rule during his press conference, branding it ‘draconian’.

The Miami co-owner added: “It’s untenable.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is fuming with the decisionCredit: Getty

“For example, if faced with this situation next year, where we have an away game on Saturday, the All-Star Game is on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and we have a game on Saturday, an important game, we’re going to be in the same boat, in the same situation.

“I think that the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian.

“Obviously, it was not a positive reaction [from Messi and Alba]. They want to compete, they want to play games. That’s what they’re here for, to play and win. They understand the magnitude of tomorrow’s night’s game.

“So no, their reaction was exactly as expected of two competitive players who don’t understand the decision, who don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.”