كرة القدم بيبي
- MLS sanctions Messi and Alba for skipping ASG
- Duo not available for selection Saturday
- All-Star absences were not approved
Star Duo Sidelined: Inside MLS Suspensions for Messi and Alba After All-Star Game Absence
In a surprising turn of events that underscores the league’s commitment to its showcase events, الدوري الأمريكي لكرة القدم has imposed one-game bans on ليونيل ميسي و Jordi Alba، مغادرة انتر Miami shorthanded for their crucial clash with FC Cincinnati. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between player welfare and promotional obligations in a packed soccer calendar.
MLS Enforces Rules on All-Star Participation
The league’s announcement came swiftly on Friday, detailing that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba must sit out one match each following their unexcused no-show at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. As a result, the pair will miss Inter Miami’s home fixture against FC Cincinnati on Saturday evening.
According to the official release, these penalties stem from violating established guidelines: players absent from the All-Star Game without league permission are barred from their team’s subsequent outing. This rule aims to ensure the event’s integrity and star power.
Coaching Insights and Initial Expectations
Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, initially expressed optimism earlier that day, suggesting both athletes were fit to feature against Cincinnati. He mentioned Messi’s exhaustion from a demanding schedule and a slight knock for Alba during their recent encounter with the نيويورك ريد بولز.
“Athletes often deal with nagging issues, particularly in a rhythm of matches every few days,” Mascherano shared with the media. “Fortunately, he’s back in action today. We’re optimistic about him joining team drills, allowing us to field them both tomorrow. No penalties have come our way yet.”
Historical Precedents in MLS Disciplinary Actions
This isn’t the first time such measures have been taken; back in 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, then with لوس أنجلوس جالاكسي, faced a similar one-game suspension for dodging the All-Star festivities without clearance. Fast-forward to 2025, and with MLS expanding its global reach-now boasting over 30 teams and record attendance figures averaging 22,000 per game-the league is even more vigilant about upholding these standards.
League Leadership’s Response to the Controversy
Merely hours prior to Wednesday’s All-Star spectacle, Commissioner Don Garber sidestepped direct questions on potential repercussions for Messi and Alba. However, he acknowledged that better foresight in verifying player availability could have mitigated the situation for this high-profile midsummer highlight.
The absence of the two stars wasn’t officially revealed until the morning of the event, with no detailed explanations provided. Garber noted ongoing dialogues between MLS and Inter Miami, emphasizing the club’s grueling itinerary-nine fixtures crammed into a little over a month, spanning the Club كأس العالم and domestic league duties.
Training Updates and Fatigue Factors
Mascherano confirmed that neither player had participated in sessions until Friday, attributing Messi’s condition to typical weariness accumulated from extensive playtime and match load.
While endorsing the All-Star concept, the coach advocated for a rethink in its timing to better accommodate team needs.
Proposals for Scheduling Improvements
“I believe these events are fantastic for boosting the league’s profile,” Mascherano stated. “But slotting them into an already hectic calendar is problematic. We’ve endured multiple away games in quick succession, competing nearly every three days.”
He proposed shifting the All-Star Game to a weekend slot and delaying the resumption of league play afterward. With the 2025 edition on a Wednesday followed by matches just 48 hours later, it raises concerns about adequate recovery. “Prioritize the players, as they’re the heart of the sport-without them, there’s no game,” he emphasized.
Impact on Inter Miami’s Upcoming Challenge
Saturday’s matchup will see Inter Miami depleted, missing not only Messi and Alba but also defender Maxi Falcon, who’s out due to accumulated cautions.
From February’s kickoff, the team has navigated a whirlwind of competitions including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, MLS fixtures, the FIFA Club World Cup, and an impending كأس الدوري appearance-totaling 33 games so far. For context, the فانكوفر وايتكابس, fellow Champions Cup contenders, have logged 34 outings this season, illustrating the intense demands on top clubs.
The Eastern Conference showdown against table-topping FC Cincinnati, who recently triumphed 3-0 over Miami, is set for 7:15 p.m. ET. This rematch pits two title hopefuls against each other in a bid for Supporters’ Shield supremacy.
