News Summary
Lionel Messi’s one-game suspension has sparked controversy before Inter Miami’s 2025 Leagues Cup. The decision follows Messi’s and Jordi Alba’s absence from the MLS All-Star Game, leading to discontent among fans and players. While Inter Miami signed Rodrigo De Paul, he won’t debut in the upcoming tournament. As Messi prepares for his League’s Cup debut against Atlas, the league is reassessing the suspension policies amidst mounting pressure from team management and coaches.
Miami – Lionel Messi remains at the center of a major controversy as he faces a one-game suspension that has triggered significant discussion among fans and players ahead of Inter Miami’s 2025 Leagues Cup campaign. The suspension comes after Messi, alongside teammate Jordi Alba, opted out of participating in the MLS All-Star Game, which has drawn ire from both players and the team’s management.
MLS commissioner Don Garber stated that the decision to enforce this suspension was complicated but deemed necessary following the league’s policies. This situation has left Messi’s impressive season in jeopardy, considering he has netted 18 goals and provided nine assists in the current campaign.
Inter Miami had to play without Messi and Alba in their recent match against FC Cincinnati, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Messi’s absence and the situation surrounding it have prompted scrutiny towards the league’s enforcement of player suspensions. Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed discontent with the suspension policy and questioned its fairness, especially in light of the team’s congested schedule of nine games over 36 days.
In the wake of the suspension news, Inter Miami has announced the signing of World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul. However, De Paul is not listed for the Leagues Cup, leaving fans wondering when they will get to see him in action. This new addition could bolster the team’s lineup, positioning them as a significant competitor in the upcoming league events.
Despite the on-field challenges, Inter Miami is preparing for their 2025 Leagues Cup, with their first match scheduled against Atlas on July 30. Fans can access a special broadcast experience called “Player Spotlight: Messi,” which focuses solely on Messi’s performance, available starting August 2 during a match against Necaxa. This feature, coming back after its successful debut in the 2024 MLS Playoffs, gained six million live viewers in its premiere edition on TikTok, establishing a new record for live sports streaming on the platform in the U.S.
Rollo Goldstaub, the Global Head of Sports Partnerships at TikTok, highlighted the excitement surrounding the return of this exclusive Messi viewing experience, which will span at least four additional matches throughout the season. Fans can stream this content via the MLS TikTok account, alongside simultaneous coverage on Inter Miami’s and Apple TV’s channels, providing a dedicated way for supporters to engage with Messi’s performances.
Future matchups may reignite Messi’s competitive streak, particularly in rivalry with Sergio Ramos now that both are part of the MLS landscape. As Messi’s contract with Inter Miami nears its end at the close of the season, both fans and analysts will be keenly observing how his relationship with the league and the team develops, especially in light of recent events and the suspension ruling.
The league is currently reviewing the policies that led to Messi’s suspension, responding to the concerns raised by Inter Miami’s management and coaching staff. As the situation unfolds, fans are left awaiting the return of their star player and how he will navigate the remainder of the season amid these challenges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Inter Miami Held to Scoreless Draw Against FC Cincinnati
Messi and Alba Suspended from Inter Miami for Missing All-Star Game
MLS Defeats Liga MX in Competitive All-Star Match
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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
