Ex-MLS Coach Explodes Over Lionel Messi's Suspension: "It's a Joke" originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Inter Miami were handed a harsh reality check ahead of their game against Cincinnati FC, with Major League Soccer confirming a one-match ban for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.

Inter Miami CF coach Javier Mascherano hopes Lionel Messi enters the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament with more motivation after serving a one-game suspension for missing the MLS All-Star game.

Leagues Cup, the interleague competition between Major League Soccer and Liga MX, kicks off on Tuesday as the Columbus Crew will look to defend their title aas the tournament features a new wrinkle -- only 18 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX teams in their own groups.

After serving a one-match suspension, Lionel Messi could be back on the pitch with Inter Miami for their 2025 Leagues Cup debut. Check out his status for the match against Atlas. Inter Miami will play their first match of the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament against Liga MX side Atlas tonight (July 30) at Chase Stadium.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are at the center of MLS drama after skipping the MLS All-Star Game and earning a match suspension. It’s only fair that both players were penalized for missing the match, but the issue also highlights a problem that MLS should have already addressed.