Lionel Messi has been handed a one-match ban by Major League Soccer (MLS) after missing the 2024 All-Star Game without official clearance. Alongside teammate Jordi Alba, Messi was removed from the All-Star squad just hours before kick-off. He will now miss Inter Miami’s upcoming fixture against FC Cincinnati.

The two Inter Miami CF players were originally selected for the 26-man roster to face the Liga MX All-Stars, but neither travelled for the event. They were withdrawn from the squad just hours before the match began.

The MLS All-Stars went on to win 3–1. However, attention quickly turned to whether Messi and Alba would face penalties for their absence.

According to league rules, any player who fails to take part in the All-Star Game without prior approval is automatically suspended for one match.

Messi and Alba’s unavailability for Inter Miami’s clash with FC Cincinnati on Saturday, 26 July, has now been confirmed.

Messi and Alba to Miss Cincinnati Clash

A statement from the league read: “Inter Miami CF’s Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi will be unavailable for the club’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, 26 July, due to their absence at this week’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game. 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 head coach Javier Mascherano, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, said he had not been informed about any suspensions.

He noted that Messi was experiencing fatigue and had participated in limited training throughout the week.

“Well, Messi showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he’s been playing,” Mascherano said.

“Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days. But luckily, he is returning today. Let’s hope he can train alongside the group so we can count on them for tomorrow’s game. We haven’t received any [sanction].”

Saturday’s match is a crucial one in the race for both the Eastern Conference title and the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

FC Cincinnati currently top the standings with 49 points, while Inter Miami trail with 41 points but have three games in hand.

Just two weeks ago, FC Cincinnati defeated Inter Miami 3–0. In that match, Cincinnati’s Designated Player, Evander, took on the role of MLS All-Star captain in Messi’s absence.

FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan had already assumed Messi and Alba would be unavailable.

“I don’t necessarily know that we need clarity. There are rules. I’m aware of those,” he said before the suspension was officially confirmed.

“We’re under the impression that we’ll prepare for the game without those two available.”

Mascherano Blames Fixture Congestion

Mascherano pointed out that Inter Miami have played more matches than most other clubs this term.

However, statistics show that the team has actually played fewer games across the Concacaf Champions Cup, MLS season, and FIFA Club World Cup than clubs such as Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who have played 34 games and still sent four players to the All-Star Game.

Mascherano has also relied heavily on a core group of around 15 players for much of the season. Messi has played more than 80 minutes in 23 matches. Nonetheless, the coach said he supports the concept of the All-Star Game, but believes it needs better scheduling.

“What I think is that if they want to do this type of event, it’s great to do it, and the truth is that it’s great for the league,” he said.

“There shouldn’t be a date in the schedule. It’s crazy. Four of our last five games have been away. We’ve practically had a match every three days.”

Messi had previously skipped the 2024 MLS All-Star Game due to an injury sustained while playing for Argentina in the Copa América. At that time, both Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets fully participated in the event.

The match against FC Cincinnati is scheduled to kick off at 7:15 p.m. ET on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.