Football BaBe
- Garber wouldn’t discuss potential suspension
- Commissioner did say rules are rules
- Pointed to Messi’s overall impact for MLS
MLS Commissioner Don Garber Reflects on Lionel Messi’s All-Star Absence and League Growth
In the dynamic world of Major League Soccer, where star power drives global attention, the recent All-Star Game highlighted both challenges and triumphs for the league. MLS Commissioner Don Garber opened up about the unexpected no-show of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, acknowledging missteps while celebrating the transformative influence these players bring to MLS.
Acknowledging Oversight in All-Star Preparations for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba
From Austin, Texas, MLS Commissioner Don Garber chose not to delve into possible penalties for Inter Miami’s key players, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, following their non-participation in the All-Star festivities. However, he candidly recognized that the league could have handled the confirmation of their involvement more effectively before the high-profile event.
“Absolutely, we needed to clarify this sooner and take action ahead of time. There’s no question about it,” Garber stated during his halftime-of-the-season briefing before the All-Star matchup.
The league only made it official that Messi and Alba were sitting out the All-Star Game when the final lineup was released on Wednesday morning, without providing details on the reasons. Numerous other All-Stars had voiced their anticipation of teaming up with the legendary eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient.
Following the duo’s absence from the second training session for the All-Star squad, various teammates voiced their astonishment at the unexpected development.
RELATED: How Messi’s All-Star miss highlighted issues MLS needs to resolve
Balancing Schedules and Regulations in MLS
Garber emphasized ongoing discussions between MLS and Inter Miami regarding the players’ unavailability for the Wednesday fixture. He highlighted the demanding fixture list for Miami, which included nine games over a little more than a month, spanning the Club World Cup and regular MLS play.
“Inter Miami’s calendar stands out compared to others in the league,” Garber noted. “While most clubs enjoyed a 10-day rest period, Miami did not. Lionel has been logging full 90-minute shifts in nearly every appearance.”
Indeed, the Herons benefited from a two-week hiatus before diving into the Club World Cup, with their previous MLS outing on May 31. They kicked off the international tournament on June 14.
For context, the Seattle Sounders-another MLS participant in the event-had only a week to recover beforehand. Meanwhile, LAFC squeezed in eight days between their commitments.
Navigating Injuries and Future Matches
Garber mentioned that neither Messi nor Alba took part in recent team drills, suggesting a possible health issue for Alba. Inter Miami is gearing up for a return to league play against FC Cincinnati this Saturday.
“As a league, we must oversee these situations carefully, yet we also uphold our guidelines,” Garber explained. “We would have been thrilled to feature Leo in the lineup, along with all selected All-Stars. Post this event, we’ll assess the next steps for the upcoming weekend.”
“I learned this morning that both Jordi and Messi skipped practice. Jordi apparently picked up an injury in their latest outing, so we’ll monitor what Inter Miami reports on that front.”
Lionel Messi’s Profound Influence on MLS and Comparisons to Icons
Garber highlighted Messi’s massive online presence as a game-changer for MLS visibility. He drew parallels between the Argentine’s contributions and those of David Beckham, now a co-owner of Inter Miami, from his playing days.
“The league’s current stature owes much to David Beckham, but Lionel Messi has elevated it further,” he remarked. “We underestimated the ripple effects this superstar would create-boosting our international profile, enhancing our reputation, and delivering unforgettable moments, like his string of multi-goal performances and relentless full-game efforts in recent weeks.”
“Messi embodies fierce competition and top-tier performance. Our global image has shifted dramatically with him in MLS. Similarly, Beckham’s tenure as a player and his role in building a worldwide fan-favorite team have redefined perceptions.”
As of now, Messi boasts an impressive tally of 18 goals and nine assists across 18 MLS appearances. Recent updates show his continued dominance, with MLS reporting a surge in viewership by over 20% in matches featuring him, underscoring his draw in 2025’s evolving soccer landscape.
Uncertainty Around Potential Penalties
The possibility of suspensions for Messi or Alba ahead of the clash with FC Cincinnati remains up in the air, adding another layer of intrigue to Inter Miami’s campaign.
