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.

Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were both given one-game suspensions for skipping the All-Star Game, an official MLS rule which has attracted the fury of many in recent days, and he was revealed to be incredibly upset in the immediate aftermath of the ruling.