Inter Miami CF stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been handed a one-game suspension by the Major League Soccer (MLS) after the duo skipped this year's MLS All-Star game. Messi and Alba did not suit up for the match between the MLS and Liga MX of Mexico despite being voted to the game.
MLS: Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba Suspended For One Game After Skipping All-Star Match
MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All Stars: Messi and Alba were voted into the showcase by the fans and media but neither featured in the MLS squad’s 3-1 win against the Liga MX All-Stars
Messi did not play to rest amid a packed schedule and Alba was dealing with a previous injury.
As per MLS rules, any player who doesn't participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match.
“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,” the league said in a release on Friday.
“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,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
“That said, we’re going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve,” Garber added.
The Herons, who sit fifth in the Easter Conference table welcome first-placed FC Cincinnati sans Messi and Alba on Saturday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
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