Daijiworld Media Network – Miami

Miami, Jul 26: Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been handed one-match suspensions by Major League Soccer (MLS) for skipping the recent All-Star Game, the league announced on Friday.

Both players, who were voted to feature in the high-profile clash between MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX, did not suit up for the game. While Messi cited the need for rest due to a packed match schedule, Alba was recovering from a prior injury. However, under MLS rules, players who skip the All-Star Game without league approval are automatically suspended for their club’s next fixture.

As a result, Messi and Alba will miss Miami’s home clash on Saturday against FC Cincinnati, the current leaders of the Eastern Conference. Interestingly, both players participated in practice on Friday, anticipating they would be cleared to play.

“I know Lionel Messi loves this league. There’s no one who has done more for MLS,” said Commissioner Don Garber. “But we have a long-standing policy, and it had to be enforced. It was a very difficult decision.”

Garber also hinted at a possible revision of the policy, stating the league would work with players to “determine how the rule should evolve.”