Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami's star players, are set to miss the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, against Liga MX. Inter Miami has notified MLS that neither player will participate in the game. The reason for their absence has not been disclosed; however, it could lead to a one-game suspension for both players.

MLS rules stipulate that any All-Star player who skips the game without a valid excuse, such as an official injury report or a league-granted exemption, faces a one-game suspension. As of Wednesday afternoon, it was unclear whether either player had been granted an exemption or if an injury report had been released. The league is expected to discuss the matter with Inter Miami officials before making a final decision on potential suspensions.

The potential suspension could see Messi and Alba miss Inter Miami's crucial home match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Inter Miami is currently fifth in the Eastern Conference and is preparing for a critical match against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati. Inter Miami lost to Cincinnati 3-0 last week. A victory is needed to climb the standings.

Messi's absence from the All-Star Game is a significant loss for the league from a marketing perspective. However, Inter Miami would benefit from the rest time for their two veteran players, provided it does not jeopardize their availability for Saturday's important match.

Messi also missed the All-Star Game last year due to an injury. Despite missing the All-Star game, Messi is currently tied with Nashville forward Sam Surridge for the MLS lead in goals scored with 18. Messi has scored two goals in six of his last seven matches. In the game against the New York Red Bulls, Alba was removed in the 84th minute with an apparent leg injury. Messi played the entire game, contributing two goals and two assists.