Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano took issue with Major League Soccer's decision to suspend both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday's match against FC Cincinnati after the pair sat out the MLS All-Star Game without getting prior approval to do so.

In a matchup between two elite clubs across conferences, San Diego FC outlasted Nashville SC, while in a contest between two of the best in the East, Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati shared the spoils in a scoreless draw. Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, meanwhile, were both suspended for the match due to their unexcused absence at the MLS All-Star Game.

With MLS' roster rules severely limiting Inter Miami's spending, how have the Herons managed to sign another high-impact -- and high-earning -- friend of Lionel Messi's?

Inter Miami return to Leagues Cup action this week looking to win the competition for a second time in three years.

Leagues Cup 2025 has arrived, and 36 teams from across MLS and LIGA MX are looking to be the last rival standing.