Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Alexander Abnos

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba face suspension for skipping MLS All-Star game

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during warm ups before the start of the Major League Soccer match against New York Red Bulls and at Sports Illustrated Stadium on July 19, 2025 in Harrison, New Jersey.
Lionel Messi will not take the field with the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday. Photograph: Ira L Black/Getty Images

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not appear in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday despite being selected for the event, with both Inter Miami players now in line to be suspended from their club’s next match as a result.

Messi and Alba had been absent from the All-Star festivities this week in Austin, Texas, which culminates in Wednesday night’s friendly match against an equivalent select squad from Mexico’s LigaMX. Alba had been scheduled to take part in Tuesday evening’s All-Star skills challenge, but was withdrawn. No explanation was given for Alba’s withdrawal, and MLS has not commented publicly on Messi and Alba’s absences.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.