Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas revealed that Lionel Messi feels “very upset” after MLS imposed a one-game ban for missing the All-Star Game, a penalty Mas described as “draconian.” Consequently, Messi and Jordi Alba will miss the crucial match against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on Sunday.
MLS rules state that players who skip the All-Star Game without approval must miss their club’s next match. At a press conference, club president Jorge Mas said, “Lionel Messi is very upset, as we all are. It’s a draconian punishment.” He explained that the team rested Messi and Sergio Busquets due to a demanding schedule of nine matches in 36 days, which includes MLS, Concacaf Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup competitions. Mas added, “They want to compete. Their reaction was expected from competitive players.”
Lionel Messi hit with MLS ban as league chief reminds Inter Miami star of rules he must followhttps://t.co/CIy9J8cSNQ pic.twitter.com/OzXIoX3wSt
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 25, 2025Inter Miami vs Cincinnati Match Context
Inter Miami is currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, trailing Cincinnati by seven points. The game on Sunday, scheduled for 7:30 PM EDT at DRV PNK Stadium, is crucial for playoff positioning. Messi, who has scored 12 goals this season according to MLS data, will be absent, which could significantly affect Inter Miami’s chances against the league leaders.
The ban sparked debate on X, with fans posting: “Messi deserves better than MLS bureaucracy!” Critics argue that the rule unfairly punishes stars, while supporters view it as enforcing league standards. Mas rallied the team: “We must unite with an us-against-the-world attitude.” The controversy highlights tensions between player workload and league expectations.
Messi’s recent ban, coming after his victory at the 2023 Ballon d’Or and Inter Miami’s win in the Leagues Cup, highlights his significance to the team. The upcoming match against Cincinnati will test Inter Miami’s depth during a packed season. Messi’s frustration over the MLS ban has sparked debate, as Inter Miami prepares for a crucial game. The result of this match could have a significant impact on their playoff prospects.
