SPORTS | 28-07-2025 11:40

Messi, Alba suspended over MLS All-Star no-show

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mate Jordí Alba have been suspended after the duo skipped Major League Soccer's All-Star game.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Internacional CF Miami and FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. | GETTY IMAGES via AFP

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mate Jordí Alba have been suspended after the duo skipped Major League Soccer's All-Star game earlier this week, the league said Friday.

MLS said in a statement Messi and Alba would be unavailable for Saturday's clash against FC Cincinnati "due to their absence" at this week's All-Star showpiece.

"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," the league said in a brief statement.

– TIMES/AFP