It’s official, Major League Soccer has suspended Inter-Miami’s veteran stars; Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba one game following their holdout from the 2025 MLS All Star Game.

In a Press Release issued by the League, it states:

 “Inter Miami CF’s Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi will be unavailable for the club’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, due to their absence at this week’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game. Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match.”

Inter-Miami’s manager, Javier Mascherano, stated earlier in the week that Alba was injured during their July 19 match vs the New York Red Bulls, while the 38-year old Messi was simply fatigued.

This is an absolute blow to Inter-Miami, who currently stands 5th in the Eastern Conference at 41 points, and are in desperate need of a scoring frenzy to return them to the top of the standings. Of course, the one match Alba and Messi are suspended for is against #1 seed Cincinnati, who holds 48 points.

This match serves as an absolute must win for the club, who just suffered a 3-0 blowout to Cincinnati on July 16. With Inter-Miami’s two veteran leaders suspended on the sidelines, who will step up tomorrow night?