Lionel Messi has once again become one of the most talked-about figures in soccer—not only for his record-setting performances but also for the recent controversy surrounding the MLS All-Star Game. As Inter Miami prepare to face FC Cincinnati for the second time in the 2025 MLS season, fans are left wondering: Why isn’t the Argentine legend on the field tonight?
Inter Miami have enjoyed a strong run of form in July following their appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, winning four of their last five league matches. The only blemish came on July 16 — a 3-0 road loss to this same Cincinnati side.
Cincinnati currently sit atop both the Eastern Conference and the overall MLS standings, with 48 points in 24 matches — just one point ahead of the Philadelphia Union and seven clear of Inter Miami. With a critical opportunity to close the gap at the top, Messi’s absence could be a major setback for the Herons.
Why is Messi out?
Lionel Messi won’t be playing for Inter Miami against FC Cincinnati due to a one-match suspension after failing to appear at the MLS All-Star Game. League rules state that any selected player who misses the All-Star event without a valid medical reason will be handed a one-game ban. Messi, despite his status, was not granted an exemption.
Both Messi and teammate Jordi Alba were selected to represent Inter Miami in the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars showdown on Wednesday. However, neither player participated. The league announced the disciplinary action on Friday afternoon, catching many at the club off guard.
In response, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas called an impromptu press conference to clarify the club’s position. Mas revealed that the decision for Messi and Alba to skip the game was made internally and reiterated the organization’s full support for both players.
When asked about Messi’s reaction to the suspension — and whether it could affect his ongoing contract talks — Mas didn’t hide his concern: “Messi is extremely upset. I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact on his perception on the league and its rules? No doubt”.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami host FC Cincinnati at Chase Stadium in what will be their final match before kicking off their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign. The game also comes on the heels of the official announcement of Rodrigo De Paul’s signing. For head coach Javier Mascherano, the absence of both Messi and Alba adds another layer of difficulty to an already pivotal fixture.