Ex-MLS Coach Explodes Over Lionel Messi's Suspension: "It's a Joke" originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Inter Miami were handed a harsh reality check ahead of their game against Cincinnati FC, with Major League Soccer confirming a one-match ban for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.

Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were both given one-game suspensions for skipping the All-Star Game, an official MLS rule which has attracted the fury of many in recent days, and he was revealed to be incredibly upset in the immediate aftermath of the ruling.

Lionel Messi’s recent one‑match suspension from MLS made major headlines in the run‑up to the 2025 Leagues Cup. He got banned because he didn’t show up at the MLS All-Star Game on July 23, which is a clear violation of the league’s rules that require players to participate unless they have a formal excuse.