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Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will be sidelined for Inter Miami’s critical clash with FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, following Major League Soccer’s enforcement of a rule penalizing players who skip the MLS All-Star Game without league approval.
The decision has left both players “extremely upset,” Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed in a press conference on Friday, July 25. The pair returned to training that same day, having missed the All-Star showcase in Austin, Texas, earlier in the week.
“He's very upset, extremely upset today, as expected. I'm hopeful it doesn't have an impact long term,” said Mas, referring to Messi and ongoing efforts to extend his contract beyond the current season.
According to MLS policy, players who skip the All-Star Game without prior clearance are automatically suspended for their club’s next fixture. Despite both Messi and Alba returning to practice and being seemingly fit to play, they will now miss Miami’s home fixture against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati at Chase Stadium.
Mas described the league’s ruling as “draconian” and argued the All-Star Game places players in an “untenable situation,” forcing them to choose between exhibition participation and adequate recovery during the demanding season.
He also stated the club would take similar action in the future under comparable circumstances.
Messi, 38, has played nearly every minute of Miami’s season, scoring 18 goals in as many MLS appearances. Alba, 36, has featured in 19 league matches, with both contributing significantly to the team’s run to the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals.
Adding to Miami’s roster depth, the club announced the arrival of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul on loan from Atlético Madrid for the remainder of the 2025 season, with an option to buy. De Paul has won the Copa América, Finalissima, and 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and brings 78 international caps to South Florida.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @leomessi
