Fans have doubts that MLS will actually suspend Lionel Messi for missing the All-Star Game.
MLS Fans Bracing for Controversy Over Lionel Messi All-Star Game Punishment originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi is not participating in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday.
Messi was selected as an All-Star following a scorching start to the season. The 38-year-old forward has 18 goals and nine assists in just 18 MLS appearances for Inter Miami in 2025.
At the All-Star break, the Herons are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with 41 points, but they have played three fewer games than all four teams above them, due to participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
With the packed schedule in the first half of the season, Messi certainly needed a rest. However, the punishment for skipping the All-Star game is a one-game suspension — which Messi will face unless Inter Miami can provide documentation of an injury to excuse his absence.
After Messi's absence — along with Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba — was made official via an announcement from the league on Wednesday, fans turned their attention to MLS in anticipation of a controversial decision.
They mounted pressure on the league, but overwhelmingly expressed doubt that the Argentinian hero would actually be suspended for IMCF's next match against Eastern Conference leader FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
So that's a one game suspension right?
— Steve (@SCFack) July 23, 2025
right? https://t.co/nV5WRwRSYRpic.twitter.com/LFxlt3A7a8
"Will he get the suspension or will they figure out away to go around the rules … again," asked a user on X.
"So he misses the cincy game…right…right…" doubted another.
"If there are rules that say he needs to sit out and he doesn't, it will be a bad look for #MLS," responded one critic.
One of two things will now happen:
— Caleb Denorme (@caleb_denorme) July 23, 2025
1. Miami will report an “injury” so he doesn’t miss the next game
2. Miami doesn’t report and MLS will have to decide whether or not to follow their rules and suspend him for the next game
Your move Don👀 https://t.co/gWLcuBW7bn
"If Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are not suspended for Saturday’s match vs FC Cincinnati it’ll be further proof of favoritism," anticipated a skeptical social media user. "I can see a report coming soon of a 'knock' they both coincidentally picked up against the Red Bulls to excuse their absence."
Has MLS suspended players for skipping the All-Star Game before?
MLS has followed through with its severe policy on big stars before. Former LA Galaxy player Zlatan Ibrahimovic was issued a suspension in 2018 and called it "ridiculous."
Last year, Inter Miami forward Luis Suarezescaped the punishment after providing proof of a knee injury.
Related: Lionel Messi Issues Demand To MLS After Inter Miami Loss
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
