Msalma worked for the state-run Al-Thawra newspaper, the semi-official Al-Watan newspaper, and the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). She later became Managing Editor of the state-run Tishreen newspaper in 2008, a position she held until April 9, 2011, when she was dismissed following remarks on Al Jazeera in which she called for the security personnel who opened fire on protesters in Daraa to be held accountable. She joined the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces during its expansion in May 2013. On March 5, 2016, she was elected Vice President of the Coalition under its President, Anas al-Abdah. She announced her resignation from the Coalition in March 2017.