Lionel Messi didn’t waste time to get back on the pitch after his one-game suspension, leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over Atlas on July 30.
Messi garnered headlines this past week, not for his displays on the pitch but his absence in one match instead. He decided to be absent from the MLS All-Star Game despite earning a selection on the All-Star squads.
As a result, league officials served him a one-game suspension, having him miss Miami’s 0-0 draw against Cincinnati FC on July 26. They did this because they had rules in place that states any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval is ineligible to compete in his club’s next match.
Messi looked back on the suspension after the club’s win to start their time in the 2025 Leagues Cup. He said that while rest may serve some players, it wasn’t something he needed to have.
“The truth is that it was difficult with the heat, and not having played the other day. Even if [the rest] seems better, for me it’s worse because I need to compete,” Messi said to ESPN after the match. “I feel good physically the more matches I play and get into rhythm.
“The other day they didn’t let me compete, and I felt it in the first half, but the important thing is that we won.”
What’s Next For Lionel Messi, Inter Miami
GettyRodrigo de Paul #7, Lionel Messi #10 and Sergio Busquets #5 of Inter Miami speak on the field in the second half during the Leagues Cup Phase One match between Inter Miami CF and Atlas FC at Chase Stadium on July 30, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Even at age 38, Lionel Messi continues to shine as one of the best players in the world. His assist to Marcelo Wiegandt in stoppage time gave Inter Miami the goal they needed to beat Atlas.
Since Messi’s arrival to South Beach, Miami has had success in the Leagues Cup. They won in 2023 but didn’t have the same success in 2024, losing to Columbus in the Round of 16. The club has interest in returning to the throne, as Messi emphasized after Wednesday’s match.
“It’s a great competition for us; one we always compete in,” Messi said to ESPN. “It’s a great test for us to face Mexican teams, and the format has changed, so we can enjoy it and play it. It’s a great competition. [The victory] is super important.
“The American teams hadn’t won, and it’s important for us to take advantage because we compete against each other. While we’re playing against Mexican teams, the table is on our side, and we have to score more than the others.”
Inter Miami will prepare for their next match of the Leagues Cup, remaining at home. They host Necaxa on Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. ET then conclude the group phase against Pumas on Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
After the group stage, the club will resume MLS play. They will be on the road, facing Orlando City SC on Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. ET.
Lionel Messi Reflects On First Game Back With Inter Miami After MLS Suspension