Why MLS Had to Ban Lionel Messi—and the Potential Fallout That Could Come

Major League Soccer (MLS) faced a defining moment after Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba skipped the MLS All-Star Game. Despite their status, the league opted to uphold its rule and suspend players who miss the event, refusing to make a special exception for them.

This decision carries significant implications for the future of the All-Star Game, league rules, Messi's tenure in MLS, and the league's appeal to top global talent. MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged understanding Messi's decision to skip the game, calling it a difficult but necessary ruling to respect, emphasizing Messi's overall commitment to the league.

The enforcement of the rule, placing league integrity above Inter Miami's star players, served as a test proving that Messi, despite his massive salary and business ties to the league, is ultimately subject to the same regulations as other players. This is not unprecedented, as MLS similarly suspended Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2018 for skipping the All-Star Game when he played for LA Galaxy, who had criticized the rule at the time.

The suspension caused controversy, particularly among fans who follow Messi rather than a specific club. While Messi's absence from the All-Star Game reduced the event's popularity, his suspension for a crucial regular-season match against FC Cincinnati also risks deterring viewership, undermining a key reason for his acquisition by the league.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas stated the decision for Messi and Alba to skip the All-Star Game was a club choice made to avoid potential injuries, calling the mandatory participation rule "bad" and the punishment "draconian." He argued Messi and Alba are different because they prioritize serious competition, adding that every Miami game is effectively an All-Star Game due to their presence.

Messi, despite being 38, has been playing heavily (90 minutes in nearly every match since mid-April, 23 games in 2025 with over 80 minutes played) and is vital to Miami's success, scoring 10 of their last 13 goals. His absence against Cincinnati significantly hampers Miami's Supporters' Shield defense. Furthermore, the league misses out on a marquee MVP battle between the suspended Messi and Cincinnati's Evander, who did attend the All-Star Game.