Inter Miami will play a highly-anticipated match against first-place FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, without Messi and Alba, despite both returning to practice on Friday for the first time this week with expectations they would be able to play.

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba get one-match bans for skipping Major League Soccer's All-Star game earlier this week.

Messi is not happy with his suspension from MLS and the tension could affect his future in Miami amid contract talks.

The owner of Inter Miami called Major League Soccer’s suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for skipping the All-Star Game a “draconian” punishment.

As Inter Miami prepares for a crucial clash against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati, the lingering question remains: Will Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba be suspended for missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game?

MLS Fans Bracing for Controversy Over Lionel Messi All-Star Game Punishment originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi is not participating in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday.

Chief Marketing Officer Leandro Petersen has confirmed that Lionel Messi will feature for Argentina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Less than a year left for soccer’s biggest carnival to take center stage, which only means the USA has once again become the center of attention. The new FIFA Club World Cup, being conducted the way it was – with clubs from North America,