Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba did not play in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX, and their absence has caused some talk around the league. 

Inter Miami had already informed MLS officials before the game that both players would not be available, but that might not be enough to stop them from being punished.

MLS rules say that players who miss the All-Star Game without a proper medical reason can be suspended for one league match. 

Even though Inter Miami gave early notice, the league is still looking into the situation, and the MLS Commissioner Don Garber spoke before the game, saying that no final decision had been made yet. 

He said the league will speak to Inter Miami’s management before taking any action, also adding that the All-Star Game is very important to the league, but he understands that Messi and the team have had a very busy schedule.

Inter Miami have played nine matches in just over a month, including games in the Club World Cup and the MLS. That kind of schedule has made it hard for players to rest, and Messi’s fitness is being carefully watched by the club’s staff, and they are trying to manage his playing time wisely.

Still, Messi keeps delivering on the pitch. In their last match, he scored twice in a big 5-1 win over New York Red Bulls. That was his sixth brace in his last seven league games, taking him to 18 goals, joint-top in the scorer’s chart.

Looking ahead, Inter Miami will miss several players for their next match, with Noah Allen and Allen Obando both out with hamstring problems. 

Goalkeeper Drake Callender is still recovering from a hernia, Ian Fray has an adductor injury, Oscar Ustari and Baltasar Rodriguez are also unavailable. 

Meanwhile, defender Maximiliano Falcon is suspended after picking up too many yellow cards and is expected to be replaced in the XI by Tomas Aviles.

It is still not clear if Messi and Alba will be available for the next game, but fans are waiting to see what decision MLS will make.

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Novo; Weigandt, Aviles, Lujan, Alba; Allende, Redondo, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suarez