FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Major League Soccer confirmed Friday that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami would receive one-match suspensions for missing its All-Star Game.
Despite being elected for the game, Messi and Alba did not play in the MLS vs. Liga MX of Mexico encounter. Due to his hectic schedule and Alba’s prior injury, Messi did not participate to relax.
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Any player who does not play in the All-Star Game without first receiving league consent is not allowed to play in their club’s subsequent game, according to MLS regulations.
The players will not play in Miami’s Saturday home game against FC Cincinnati, the team leading the Eastern Conference.
Messi and Alba trained with Inter Miami on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s game while the team awaited the league’s decision.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber stated, “I know Lionel Messi loves this league.” “I don’t believe anyone or any player has contributed more to Major League Soccer than Messi. I respect his decision and completely understand, admire, and respect his dedication to Inter Miami.
Regretfully, we had to implement our long-standing policy on participation in the All-Star Game. It was a really tough choice.
The league will review the regulation and consult with players to “decide how the rule should evolve,” Garber continued.
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