Lionel Messi’s arrival sparked a dramatic rise in Major League Soccer’s visibility and global appeal. His impact was immediate, leading Inter Miami to its first-ever title—the Leagues Cup. The No. 10 dazzled with 58 goals and 26 assists in just 68 games, cementing his status as a league icon. However, his recent absence from the MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, has prompted speculation about potential disciplinary action.
According to MLS rules, any player who skips the All-Star Game without a valid medical reason can face a one-game suspension in regular season play. Inter Miami did not submit an official medical report to justify Messi’s absence, opening the door for possible sanctions. There is precedent: Zlatan Ibrahimović was suspended in 2018 after declining his All-Star invite.
So far, the league has not issued an official statement on Messi’s situation. MLS officials are expected to reach out to Inter Miami to clarify the circumstances and make a decision regarding a potential penalty.
Messi’s recent form and schedule
Messi played the full 90 minutes in last Saturday’s 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls, and there were no reports of injury. Over the past two weeks, he has featured in five complete matches with cross-country travel involved. Despite the demanding schedule, his form remains elite—scoring six braces in seven games and currently leading the MLS scoring chart with 18 goals, tied with Sam Surridge.
What games could Messi miss?
If suspended, Messi would miss Inter Miami’s next league match against FC Cincinnati. That game holds special importance, as Cincinnati is the only team to defeat Inter Miami in their last eight outings. It was also the match that snapped Messi’s streak of five consecutive braces—though he bounced back with two goals against New York.
Regardless of any possible suspension, Messi may still sit out the Cincinnati game. Head coach Javier Mascherano has voiced concerns about Messi’s workload: “I’d prefer he rest,” he admitted in a recent press conference, citing the team’s high match intensity and injury issues throughout the season.
A look back at the MLS All-Star Game tradition
First held in 1996, the MLS All-Star Game initially featured East vs. West matchups. In 2003, Chivas de Guadalajara became the first international guest. Starting in 2005, European giants like Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus joined the event. Over the past five years, the format has evolved into a showcase between MLS and Liga MX stars. In 2024, the Mexican squad earned a commanding 4–1 victory.