Messi and Jordi Alba handed a one-match ban by MLS for All-Star Game no-show

Major League Soccer has penalized Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba with single-game suspensions after both Inter Miami players failed to appear at the All-Star Game without valid reasons. The league enforced this disciplinary action because neither athlete provided an acceptable justification for their absence from the mandatory annual showcase event. Both stars will miss Inter Miami's Sunday fixture against Cincinnati as part of the 25th round of league competition. The All-Star Game requires participation from every selected player unless medical issues prevent attendance. League regulations automatically trigger penalties when chosen participants skip the event without proper authorization.