Lionel Messi once again becomes the hero for Inter Miami after a dramatic 2-1 win over Atlas FC in their first game of the 2025 Leagues Cup. Messi didn't score, but he provided two assists, with one coming in the last minute.

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.

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.