Messi will not play Inter Miami’s forthcoming match against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on Sunday morning, club co-owner Jorge Mas revealed. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:45 AM IST.

Major League Soccer has handed Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba single-match bans following their absence from Wednesday's All-Star Game, rendering both players unavailable for Inter Miami's fixture against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas revealed how Lionel Messi responded to the suspension handed down by Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi is no stranger to the spotlight. However, this time he finds himself at the center of attention for an unusual reason: controversy—not his on-field performance.

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

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both in the twilight of their careers, they are compensated handsomely for their global visibility and attraction.

Los Angeles FC have reportedly made an offer to a Premier League forward to join Major League Soccer, potentially following the path paved by Lionel Messi. When Lionel Messi announced in July 2023 that he had signed with Inter Miami,

Phillips echoed that sentiment, saying he booed Messi because his season ticket seats are just a couple of rows from the field in the First Financial Club. He said he remembers lightheartedly heckling former New York Red Bulls defender, John Tolkin, when FC Cincinnati were Wooden Spoon contenders, prompting a chuckle from the American.

Lionel Messi's second collaboration with Stanley has tumblers, mugs, and other bottles in the soccer player's original colorway.