Inter Miami was held to a 0-0 draw by FC Cincinnati on July 27 in a match notable not for the result, but for the absence of its biggest star: Lionel Messi. The Argentine legend, along with teammate Jordi Alba, was suspended for one game after failing to attend the MLS All-Star Game, sparking criticism from club officials and head coach Javier Mascherano.
According to league rules, any player who skips the All-Star Game without prior approval is subject to an automatic one-match ban. This rule sidelined Messi and Alba, despite Miami’s congested fixture list and Alba’s recent injury concerns.
Speaking after the game, Mascherano didn’t hold back. “I don’t want to criticize MLS or demand rule changes, but I completely disagree with this decision ,” he said, adding, “ We are forced to adapt, even though it’s absurd.”
He further questioned the league’s motives, “ If this match had been an away game, would Messi still have been suspended? When he fills stadiums and drives revenue, no one complains.”
Club co-owner Jorge Mas also labeled the suspension as “harsh,” revealing that Messi was “very upset” at being barred from playing. The decision has fueled accusations that the league prioritizes profits and star appearances over fair player treatment and scheduling.
Meanwhile, despite missing two of their core players, Inter Miami managed to hold off Cincinnati and unveiled Rodrigo De Paul, a close friend and teammate of Messi under Argentina’s national team.
Mascherano praised the signing, stating, “ De Paul is a historic addition. At 31, he’s still at his peak. His arrival shows our club’s ambition to raise its competitiveness and global stature.”
On the other hand, Inter Miami’s next challenge comes in the form of the Leagues Cup 2025, where they will face Mexican side Atlas on July 31.
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