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 Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were suspended for one game by Major League Soccer for skipping the 2025 MLS All-Star Game without prior league approval. Per MLS rules, players who do not participate in the All-Star Game without an approved medical reason are ineligible to compete in their club’s next match. As a result, they missed Inter Miami’s game against FC Cincinnati on July 26, 2025. Messi opted to rest due to a packed schedule, while Alba was recovering from a prior injury. Inter Miami’s owner, Jorge Mas, called the suspension “draconian,” and MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the decision was difficult but necessary to enforce the league’s long-standing policy. Garber also noted the league would review the rule moving forward.