With Messi's MLS ban confirmed, how many games will he miss with Inter Miami?

The MLS All-Star Game recently took place in the US, but Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba decided to miss the tournament in order to rest . It's worth remembering that Inter Miami had to play in the Club World Cup, unlike most of their opponents.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said of the Rosario native's absence: " Miami has had a different schedule than any other team. Most of our teams had a 10-day break . Miami hasn't had Leo play 90 minutes in almost every game they've played."

He added: “ We have rules, and we have to achieve them. So we would have loved to have Leo here. We would have loved to have every player selected… This morning I was told that neither Jordi nor Messi were practicing today, so Tourney had an injury in the last game, and we'll have to handle what Miami is going to say about that.”

Since Messi didn't sign up for part of the event, everything indicates he'll be sanctioned with a one-match suspension from MLS. The same goes for Jordi Alba. The match in which Mascherano is expected to be without them is Sunday, August 10, against Orlando, away . Although the date will depend on how far Inter Miami finishes in the Leagues Cup. In any case, it's almost certain he'll miss the " Florida Classic ."

Finally, Rodrigo de Paul has not yet been announced as Inter Miami's new signing, but several sources claim the deal is a done deal. If so, there's a chance the world champion's debut with Argentina will take place this month .

After the victory in New York, Messi's next match will be on Saturday the 26th against Cincinnati, as previously reported. It will be Inter's last match before the start of the Leagues Cup, where the best MLS teams will face the best of Liga MX . Miami will face Atlas, Pumas, and Fernando Gago's Necaxa.

Looking at the schedule, De Paul's debut for Inter is estimated to take place on Wednesday the 30th . Inter will face Atlas of Mexico on Matchday 1 of the 2025 Leagues Cup group stage.