Major League Soccer (MLS) announced a one-match suspension for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, players for Inter Miami, for missing the recent All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars. According to league rules, missing the event without prior approval results in an automatic suspension for the next official club match.

Within Inter Miami, the decision was seen as unfair. Coach Javier Mascherano explained that both players were suffering from accumulated fatigue and had not trained with the rest of the team during the week. In Messi’s case, the staff justified his absence due to the heavy match load he had recently endured, as he was following a specific physical recovery plan to prevent injury.

Arguments Against the MLS Suspension

The suspension came amid a tight schedule that forced Inter Miami to play five matches in just 15 days. Even MLS acknowledged the club’s exceptional circumstances, which were caused by international calendar adjustments. The decision has raised concerns among experts and fans alike, as it penalizes the team that has done the most to boost the league's visibility in recent months.

The All-Star Game format, inspired by leagues like the NBA and NFL, does not easily align with professional soccer, where physical demands and match frequency are managed differently. No major European football league hosts similar events during the regular season.

Since Messi’s arrival, MLS has experienced unprecedented growth. His debut generated over 300,000 new MLS Season Pass subscribers on Apple TV, and overall attendance reached a record-breaking 11.4 million fans during the 2023–2024 season. Additionally, the upcoming match against FC Cincinnati—where Messi will now be absent—was set to feature the launch of Adidas’ third jersey, with the Argentine star as the face of the campaign.

The suspension not only impacts the team but also undermines the image of a league aiming to establish itself as a global football contender. At a time when many international stars are considering MLS as an attractive destination, decisions like this risk sending a contradictory message about the league’s ambitions and professionalism.