Lionel Messi faced a one-match suspension in MLS just before the 2025 Leagues Cup, following his absence from the MLS All-Star Game on July 23. The league‘s regulations require players to participate in the All-Star event unless officially excused, and Messi’s failure to attend led to him and teammate Jordi Alba being sidelined for Inter Miami’s next match against FC Cincinnati. This ban significantly disrupted Messi’s momentum and sparked widespread debate within the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>soccer community about the severity of MLS’s penalty.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas openly criticized the ruling, suggesting it was excessively harsh and could create difficult situations in future seasons. He stated,
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.
—Jorge Mas, Inter Miami Co-owner
As the team prepared for that match without their star player, it was evident how much Messi’s absence affected Inter Miami’s performance. The team managed only a draw against Cincinnati, underscoring Messi’s importance on the field.
Return to Action and Triumph in Leagues Cup
Messi made his return on July 30 for the Leagues Cup opener in Fort Lauderdale, where Inter Miami faced Atlas from Liga MX. His presence swiftly became a catalyst for Miami, as he contributed two crucial assists that paved the way to a 2–1 victory. Off the ball, Messi’s impact extended beyond statistics; he celebrated passionately and showed unusual sportsmanship after the game by apologizing to his opponent, Matias Coccaro, even gifting Coccaro his match-worn shirt as a tribute to respect.
In a post-match interview with ESPN, Messi reflected on how the suspension affected his game rhythm, saying,
The truth is that it was difficult with the heat, and not having played the other day. Even if [the rest] seems better, for me it’s worse because I need to compete. I feel good physically the more matches I play and get into rhythm. The other day they didn’t let me compete, and I felt it in the first half, but the important thing is that we won.
—Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Forward
Messi’s comments highlighted how vital continuous match fitness is to his performance, emphasizing that any enforced breaks, especially under challenging conditions like heat, can throw off his timing and effectiveness on the pitch.
Turning Controversy into Focus and Determination
Messi’s suspension generated significant controversy throughout MLS circles and among fans. Questions arose about his commitment to the league after missing the All-Star Game, a highly visible event designed to showcase MLS talent internationally. Journalist Favian Renkel noted the growing skepticism toward Messi, writing,
Lionel Messi is quickly becoming a villain in the eyes of neutral MLS fans. The league’s MVP isn’t doing himself any favors when it comes to winning over supporters outside of Miami.
—Favian Renkel, Journalist
Despite the backlash, some figures defended MLS’s strength as an organization beyond individual stars. Liverpool legend Steve Nicol argued that the All-Star game’s appeal was greater than one player’s participation, stating,
As I said, it’s still going to be sold out. And this time next week, do you think anybody’s going to be talking about Messi not going [to the All-Star game]? Anybody who’s bought a ticket for this game, I don’t believe, is going to be complaining that Messi didn’t turn up.
—Steve Nicol, Former Liverpool Player
While Messi’s ban raised questions about the strict enforcement of league rules, his swift return and contribution in the Leagues Cup showcased his indispensable role for Inter Miami. His presence on the field clearly bolsters the team’s success and maintains the high level of competition fans expect from him.
Messi’s Relationship with MLS and the Broader Soccer Community
The incident also illuminated tensions within Messi’s relationship with MLS and its stakeholders. His suspension exposed the delicate balance between league rules and player influence, especially when it comes to global superstars. The debate brought to light how Falcons like Messi navigate obligations off the field while maintaining peak performance on it.
Messi’s case has become a litmus test for MLS’s ability to manage high-profile players and enforce regulations uniformly without alienating fan bases or diminishing star power. The league’s commitment to a strict code is clear, but so is the risk of potential backlash from international audiences who follow these stars closely.
Throughout this period, Messi’s candid remarks about his need for constant play reaffirmed that for him, competition is crucial not only for personal success but also for contributing significantly to his team’s achievements. His performance in the Leagues Cup has reminded fans and critics that despite frustrations, Messi’s presence is fundamental to Miami’s aspirations.
The Road Ahead for Messi and MLS
Looking forward, this episode may shape how MLS manages star players during high-profile events such as the All-Star Game. As Jorge Mas indicated, scheduling conflicts and stringent rules could put teams in challenging positions more frequently, suggesting a need for dialogue and flexibility between players, clubs, and the league.
Messi’s experience also underscores the broader importance of maintaining match rhythm for elite athletes. Even a single missed game can significantly impact form and performance. Miami’s hopeful trajectory in the Leagues Cup will depend on Messi’s continued fitness and availability, especially given the competitiveness of both MLS and Liga MX opponents.
The controversy, combined with Messi’s determined comeback, represents a compelling chapter in his ongoing tenure with Inter Miami. It tests league policies against player realities and highlights the complexities that arise when the world’s top talent competes in growing leagues like MLS. Fans, officials, and analysts will be closely watching how this situation evolves, not just for the star and his club, but for the future of the league’s culture and operation.