Lionel Messi hit with MLS ban as Inter Miami star reminded of rules he must follow

Lionel Messi has been hit with a ban from the MLS and will be suspended for Inter Miami's clash against Cincinnati this weekend. The World Cup winner has copped his punishment for missing the MLS All-Star Game.

The Argentine skipped the exhibition clash and, at the time, no reason was given for the league's biggest name not taking part. Since then Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano claimed he was fatigued. MLS rules state than anyone who skips the All-Star Game without an injury has to accept a one-match ban.

Mascherano, when addressing the situation around Messi said he "showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he's been playing. Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days."

Messi's team-mate Jordi Alba, who was with him at Barcelona back when Pep Guardiola was in charge, is being subjected to the same ban after also bypassing the game. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was suspended for skipping the All-Star Game in 2018.

Miami played nine games in a 35-day span between the FIFA Club World Cup and MLS regular season - during that period Messi played every minute.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim makes bold Man Utd transfer claim as three-man shortlist emerges

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand's view after watching Viktor Gyokeres 'really closely' could worry Arsenal fans

MLS commissioner Don Garber said earlier this week: “We do have rules, and we have to manage through that as well. We would have loved to have Leo here. We’d love to have every player that was selected for the All-Star team here. After this All-Star Game, we’ll figure out what needs to happen.

"I was told this morning that neither Jordi nor Messi practiced today (Wednesday). Jordi came off with an injury in last game, and we’ll have to manage through what Miami is going to say about that.”

Despite being without Messi and Alba the MLS squad secured a 3-1 win against Mexico's Liga MX All-Stars in Austin, Texas. The 38-year-old, an eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, has scored 18 goals in as many appearances for Inter Miami in the MLS.

Since making the move to Florida Messi has helped his team, co-owned by David Beckham, win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the following year they landed the Supporters' Shield. Inter Miami currently sit seventh overall in the MLS but are fifth in their Conference.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.