News Summary
Lionel Messi’s suspension for not participating in the MLS All-Star Game has ignited controversy as Inter Miami prepares for the upcoming 2025 Leagues Cup. Missing a key match against FC Cincinnati due to this suspension, fans are eager to see Messi’s return in a Messi-exclusive stream for select matches. The tension is further heightened by the arrival of new player Rodrigo De Paul. As the league reviews its suspension policies, both Messi’s impact and Inter Miami’s challenges during a congested schedule remain in focus.
Miami – Lionel Messi’s recent suspension has sparked considerable controversy as Inter Miami gears up for the 2025 Leagues Cup. Following a one-game suspension for not participating in the MLS All-Star Game, Messi, alongside teammate Jordi Alba, missed a crucial match against FC Cincinnati, which ended in a lackluster 0-0 draw. This has raised questions about both players’ future participation and the implications of league policies on player management.
As Messi recovers from an injury sustained during the Copa America final, his pivotal role in popularizing Major League Soccer (MLS) continues. The league announced the return of a highly anticipated broadcast feature titled “Player Spotlight: Messi” for select upcoming Leagues Cup matches. This unique viewing experience, which allows fans to watch Messi-centric coverage on TikTok LIVE, had an impressive start in its inaugural edition, attracting over six million viewers, making it a record-breaking event for live sports streaming on the platform.
Fans can look forward to Messi returning to the pitch when Inter Miami kicks off their Leagues Cup campaign on July 30 against Atlas, although he will only be available on the Messi-exclusive stream beginning August 2 during a match against Necaxa. This feature will continue to showcase Messi in at least four additional matches throughout the season, allowing fans to access the coverage via the MLS TikTok account and live broadcasts on Inter Miami’s and Apple TV’s channels.
The excitement does not end with Messi’s return, as Inter Miami also welcomed new player Rodrigo De Paul, a celebrated World Cup winner. However, De Paul will not make his debut in the Leagues Cup, creating speculation among fans about his future with the team amidst Messi’s absence. Furthermore, the rivalry between Messi and Sergio Ramos, both now playing in MLS, is anticipated to reignite, adding another dynamic to the league’s narrative.
The decision to suspend Messi and Alba was met with discontent from Inter Miami’s management, as they argued that the players’ absence from the All-Star Game was necessary due to an arduous schedule of nine games within 36 days. League Commissioner Don Garber described the enforcement of suspension as “complicated” but essential in maintaining league policy. Messi, who has made a remarkable impact with 18 goals and nine assists this season, expressed his frustration regarding the discontinuation of participation in the prestigious game, highlighting the challenges faced by star players in balancing participation and injury management.
During their suspension, Messi and De Paul showed camaraderie by engaging with fans from a suite during the match against FC Cincinnati, demonstrating their commitment to fan interaction even away from the field. Following the backlash from Inter Miami’s staff regarding the suspension policies, the league is reportedly reviewing its regulations to address concerns raised by both management and coaching staff.
Currently, Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of the season, prompting speculation about his future with the team. As Inter Miami navigates the challenges of player absences and suspensions during a congested schedule, the focus remains on the upcoming Leagues Cup and the potential impact of its star player on the team’s performance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati Share Points in Scoreless Draw
Messi and Alba Suspended for All-Star Game Absence
MLS Defeats Liga MX in 2025 All-Star Game
Brandon Vazquez Out for MLS Season with Knee Injury
Additional Resources
- Palm Beach Post
- Wikipedia: Lionel Messi
- New York Post
- Google Search: Lionel Messi suspension
- ESPN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lionel Messi
- New York Times
- Google News: Inter Miami
