Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will face no disciplinary action from Major League Soccer for missing Wednesday’s All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, despite league rules allowing suspensions for unapproved absences. Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the decision on Friday, citing the players’ workload and fatigue as mitigating factors.
Both Messi (MLS-leading 18 goals, 10 assists this season) and Alba (1 goal, 8 assists) were selected for the MLS All-Stars’ 3-1 win against Liga MX counterparts but withdrew without medical exemption. League regulations typically mandate a one-match suspension for such absences, but MLS officials accepted Inter Miami’s explanation regarding player management.
Mascherano emphasised the club’s congested schedule—Inter Miami have played more matches than any other MLS side this season—as justification. “Messi showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes,” he told ESPN, noting the 38-year-old’s 17 league appearances plus 10 combined starts in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Club World Cup. Alba, 36, has similarly featured in 18 MLS matches and eight cup games.
The coach added that both players could return for Saturday’s home match against FC Cincinnati, pending training assessments. Their availability remains contingent on recovery, with Mascherano stating: “We haven’t received any [sanction]. Let’s hope they can train with the group.”
The league’s leniency reflects the delicate balance between commercial obligations and player welfare, particularly for ageing stars carrying heavy workloads. Messi and Alba’s absence deprived the All-Star Game of marquee attractions but spared them additional strain ahead of Inter Miami’s push for MLS Cup playoff positioning.
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