Will Lionel Messi Be Suspended For Missing MLS All-Stars Game? Possible Sanctions Revealed originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

MLS fans were on cloud nine after Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were voted in as part of the MLS All-Star team earlier this month. With Messi failing to make an appearance last summer following an ankle injury in the Copa America finals, expectations were high with many hoping to see him playing alongside his top rivals. However, watching Messi in an All-Star kit has once again turned out to be a pipe dream with the Argentine pulling out of the fixture.

Inter Miami head coach opened up on Messi and Jordi Alba’s selection for the All-Star game earlier this month, adding that while he was happy, he’d like his players could be rested for the game owing to their busy schedule during the ongoing season.

What just seemed like an earnest plea at first didn’t take long to hit MLS by surprise, with officials earlier confirming both players won’t be part of the All-Star game. So, where does this leave Lionel Messi? Well, if rules are followed, then not in a good place!

Messi risks suspension after All-Star snub

Usually, missing the All-Star game without a certified medical justification results in a one-game suspension according to league policy. However, according to reports, the MLS Board of Directors has yet to decide on a possible sanction for the Inter Miami stars.

It will be interesting to see what decision the board decides to take, considering Messi’s absence is set to bring a huge blow to the All-Star clash. Setting an example using one of their top players could definitely help the league bring their players in line and avoid similar incidents in the future.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.