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Star footballer and one of the greats of the game, Lionel Messi has been in the headlines off late after he missed the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star match against Liga MX All Stars at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. However, the MLS All-Star side won the game by 3-1 margin, they missed a prominent face in Lionel Messi.
It is to be noted that Inter Miami forward and his teammate, Jordi Alba did not compete in Wednesday’s game despite not being injured. Although, the two were included in the All-Star roster, but failed to mark their presence, resulting to which they have been handed a one-match suspension by the MLS.
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba to miss Inter Miami’s MLS game against FC Cincinnati due to suspension
An MLS spokesperson confirmed that Inter Miami had notified the league of Messi and Alba’s unavailability for the All-Star game, but they failed to provide a sanctioned medical explanation, leading them to miss Inter Miami’s upcoming MLS game against FC Cincinnati, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday, July 27. “Inter Miami CF’s Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi will be unavailable for the club’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, due to their absence at this week’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game. Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match," MLS said in its statement.
MLS Commissioner further added, "I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don't think there's a player - or anyone - who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.” "Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision,” he continued.
It is to be noted that Inter Miami are currently placed at fifth position in the MLC 2025 Eastern Conference with 41 points from 21 matches, where they have registered 12 wins. They will play the Eastern Conference table-toppers FC Cincinnati on Sunday at the Chase Stadium, followed by a Leagues Cup match against Atlas on July 31.
