Major League Soccer recently imposed a one-game suspension on Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba after both players skipped the MLS All-Star Game despite being fit to play. The league enforced this disciplinary action because neither athlete received prior approval to miss the event, a clear violation of league regulations.
According to an official statement from MLS,
“Inter Miami CF’s Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi will be unavailable for the club’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, due to their absence at this week’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game.”
The league further clarified,
“Per league rules, 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.”
Inter Miami and Messi React Strongly Against the Punishment
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas revealed the frustration within the club regarding the suspension, emphasizing Messi’s disappointment with Major League Soccer’s decision. 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.”
He expressed the team’s commitment, stating,
“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.”
Mas described the suspension as excessively harsh, calling it “frankly draconian,” highlighting the severity of the league’s penalty compared to the players’ intentions.
Regarding the players’ reaction to the suspension, Mas noted,
“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.”
This disciplinary action came as Inter Miami prepared for a crucial match against FC Cincinnati, a team leading the league table. Miami trailed by seven points but held an advantage with three matches remaining, making the absence of their star players a significant blow.
Messi’s Future: Potential Move to the Saudi Pro League
Despite being 38, Lionel Messi remains a highly sought-after talent. Recent reports from the Spanish outlet MARCA indicate that the Saudi Pro League has presented Messi with a substantial offer to entice him away from MLS.
As reported,
“Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has tabled a blockbuster proposal for Lionel Messi, mirroring the record-breaking deal offered to Cristiano Ronaldo.”
The contract proposed is valued at approximately $200 million per season, which could rank among the highest salaries ever offered in football.
Previously, Messi had expressed a desire to deliver a strong season with Inter Miami. However, the recent suspension and ensuing controversy may influence his outlook and decision-making. Whether this disciplinary episode sways Messi toward the lucrative Saudi offer remains uncertain, but the situation continues to generate intense speculation.
What Lies Ahead for Messi and MLS?
The suspension of Lionel Messi by MLS has ignited tensions between the league and one of its biggest stars, while also fueling rumors about a potential move abroad. The decision might affect Inter Miami’s performance in the short term and impact relations with their marquee players. Meanwhile, the lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia presents Messi with an alternative path that could reshape his late-career journey.
As both Messi and MLS navigate this delicate moment, fans and analysts alike will closely watch how this controversy unfolds and whether it inspires changes in player–league dynamics or triggers unexpected transfers in the near future.