Messi ‘Extremely Upset’ After MLS All-Star Ban Confirmed

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has shared that Lionel Messi is ‘extremely upset’ regarding his suspension from Major League Soccer for missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.

Both Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were voted into the All-Star Game, but they did not participate in any events held in Austin, Texas this week. The duo, once part of Barcelona, skipped the All-Star skills challenge on Tuesday and did not appear at the All-Star Game on Wednesday, where they were scheduled to compete against a select team from Mexico’s LigaMX.

According to MLS regulations, players who miss the All-Star Game without the league’s approval face suspension. On Friday, MLS confirmed Messi and Alba will be serving a one-game ban, making them ‘unavailable’ for Inter Miami’s match against Cincinnati on Saturday night.

‘The reaction was as expected; obviously, it was not a positive one. They want to compete, they want to play games; that’s what they’re here for – to play and win,’ Mas stated on Friday.

‘They understand the significance of tomorrow night’s game, so their reaction was entirely anticipated from two competitive players who don’t comprehend the decision or why not attending an exhibition match results in a suspension. The rule is what it is, and they don’t understand it.

‘I don’t agree with the rule and have expressed my thoughts clearly to the commissioner. I believe it will change, but that’s neither here nor there. Their reaction was predictable – they were both extremely upset.’

When asked if this decision might affect Messi’s future with Inter Miami, Mas responded: ‘He’s very upset; he’s extremely upset, which was expected. I’m hopeful it won’t have a long-term impact.

‘Will it initially influence the players’ perception of league rules? Absolutely, no doubt about it.’

MLS Commissioner Don Garber commented in a statement: ‘I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I can’t think of anyone who has contributed more to Major League Soccer than Messi.

‘I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami; I respect his decision.

‘Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, which we had to enforce. This was a tough decision. That said, we’re going to take a thorough look at the policy going forward. I’m dedicated to working with our players to figure out how the rule should evolve.’