Both Lionel Messi and teammate Jordi Alba did not expect to get suspended after skipping the MLS All-Star Game. Under MLS regulations, players selected for the event must participate unless excused – or they automatically become ineligible for their club’s next match.

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas condemned the ruling as “draconian,” highlighting the absurdity of penalizing a player who opted out to rest amid an intense schedule. Mas pointed out how Messi has “changed the economics” of MLS and criticized the rule for harming fans, sponsors, broadcasters, and the league’s partners.

But amid the backlash, Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, and club sources emphasized a silver lining: the suspension forced a mandatory rest for Messi at precisely the right time. In fact, it readied him heading into the Leagues Cup, which is a massive benefit for him and the rest of the team as it proves to be a good refresher for the Inter Miami star.

Suspension a Blessing in Disguise?

Over the past month, Messi had featured in nine games across MLS, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup – a blistering schedule in which fatigue was inevitable. Mascherano emphasized that Messi had no injury but felt obvious fatigue, so resting him strategically was the smart, preventive choice. Of course, many critics were quick to point out that this is a case of the load management scheme.

"Regarding Leo, yes, let's hope he's super motivated. The reality is, well, obviously I said it after the Cincinnati game, we didn't expect the suspension. But, well, it's good for us," Mascherano said. "And the reality is we had to give him a mandatory rest, after many consecutive games. I think in some ways the rest was also good for him to start this new marathon of games we're going to have ahead of the Leagues Cup and continuing with the MLS. So he's a little fresher."

Following the suspension, Inter Miami turned in a disciplined showing to face Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati – and while Messi couldn’t help on the pitch, the team focused on upcoming challenges, including the Leagues Cup.

The enforced downtime worked in Messi’s favor: freed from a midweek exhibition match, his energy could be preserved not just physically but mentally too. The break resets the rhythm and may reduce the risk of muscle overload or injury later in the campaign.

Ready for Action?

What initially appeared as a setback – a one-match ban – could become one of the best strategic moves Inter Miami could have hoped for. Messi’s enforced rest keeps him healthier through demanding tournaments like the Leagues Cup and the remainder of the MLS season. It also sends a message: even the world’s greatest player benefits from rest.

In football, recovery is often as crucial as training. A forced break, whether via suspension or rotation, can help a player in his late 30s remain sharp and decisive when it matters most. From Messi’s perspective, the suspension likely saved wear and tear, offering a clean slate for upcoming competitions.

At the season’s midpoint, what once looked like controversial league bureaucracy may now be seen as a timely reset – one that gives Messi a better chance to stay at peak performance when Inter Miami most needs him. This puts Inter Miami in the best possible position now, more than ever, to win big in their coming key games.