The MLS made waves when they announced the decision to suspend Inter Miami star Lionel Messi for not taking part in the All-Star Game. This prompted criticism from the club’s manager Javier Mascherano.
Due to a grueling schedule that included their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Messi and left-back Jordi Alba chose to not take part in the festivities despite earning selections to the All-Star team.
League rules state that any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in his club’s next match, forcing Messi and Alba to the sidelines.
“I have an opinion on what happened but I didn’t come here to criticize MLS or change the rule. We didn’t adapt to what happened, beyond the fact that I don’t agree with the decision — I don’t agree with it at all — but, well, we’ve adapted,” Mascherano said to ESPN after the club’s 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati, which Messi and Alba were absent.
“Now I have a question: What would’ve happened if today’s game was an away game? Did that also prevent Leo from playing? Because to fill stadiums and make money, no one complains, right? The thing is, this game was at home. I’ll leave that to you.”
Mascherano even pointed out the contradiction the league, knowing how much attention Messi brings while flipping to the point that he must follow the rules regardless of the schedule.
“What I do find strange is that one day they say one thing and the next day they make a completely different decision,” Mascherano said. “Because we all heard what was said, that it was understandable, given the number of games he’d been playing. We didn’t ask for it to be handled differently.”
What’s Next For Lionel Messi, Inter Miami
GettyLionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the MLS match between New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami CF at Sports Illustrated Stadium on July 19, 2025 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)
Javier Mascherano is right to point out his critiques of MLS for how they handled Lionel Messi’s conduct for the All-Star Game.
League officials were aware that Miami’s best players had plenty of fatigue after playing in the Club World Cup. This resulted in them having a congested schedule, not having a break in the summer unlike their league counterparts.
Which is why it was strange for them to suspend Messi for a decision that was understandable. Resting in a time where players across the world are demanding more rest days in between matches is important for those who understand the need to heal their bodies and avoid significant injuries. Unfortunately for Messi, MLS officials chose to not see it that way for this instance.
Miami has a record of 12 wins, six draws and four losses, having the fifth spot of the Eastern Conference standings. With 42 points, they are two points behind the Columbus Crew and five points behind Nashville SC.
Inter Miami will prepare for their next match, being at home for the Leagues Cup. They host Atlas on July 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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