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Is Messi Suspended? Why Messi Will NOT Miss Inter Miami vs New England Despite 5 Yellow Cards
What Happened? Messi Gets 5th Yellow Card vs Cincinnati
Lionel Messi was booked in the 44th minute against FC Cincinnati on October 29 for dissent. That was his 5th yellow card of the 2025 MLS season. In MLS, 5 yellow cards = 1 match suspension.
Fans immediately started searching Is Messi suspended for New England game?
Why Messi Is NOT Suspended: MLS Good Conduct Incentive Rule Explained
MLS has a rule that does NOT exist in Premier League or La Liga. It is called Good Conduct Incentive (GCI). According to MLS official disciplinary rules, if a player goes 5 consecutive games without a card, 1 yellow is wiped.
- Messi went 10 games without a card from August 16 vs Nashville to October 18 vs Atlanta
- So he earned the incentive TWICE – 2 yellow cards removed
- On field: 5 yellows. In official MLS record: 3 yellows. No suspension.
When Did Messi Get His Yellow Cards?
| Date | Opponent | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 22 | NYC FC | Dissent |
| April 6 | Toronto FC | Foul |
| Oct 29 | FC Cincinnati | Dissent – 44′ |
Inter Miami vs New England Revolution Today
The game New England vs Inter Miami is live today November 2, 2026. Messi is expected to start with Suarez. Inter Miami needs win to stay top of Eastern Conference.
READ ALSO: Did Moses Itauma Lose to Hrgovic? Round 9 TKO at O2 Arena
FAQ
Is Messi suspended for Inter Miami next game?
No, Messi is not suspended. He will play vs New England due to MLS Good Conduct rule.
What is MLS Good Conduct Incentive?
If a player plays 5 straight games without a card, 1 yellow card is removed from his total.
