Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba have both been handed a one-match suspension by Major League Soccer after failing to show up for this week’s All-Star match.
MLS confirmed on Friday that neither player will be allowed to play in Inter Miami’s upcoming match against FC Cincinnati. According to league rules, any player who is picked for the All-Star Game must take part unless they have received permission not to, which Messi and Alba did not.
The two stars had been selected to play for the MLS All-Stars against a Liga MX team on Wednesday but pulled out just hours before kick-off. No reason for their withdrawal was given.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league had no choice but to enforce its long-standing policy, although he admitted it was a “very difficult decision.” He praised Messi’s commitment to the league and Inter Miami but said rules had to be followed. Garber also said the league may review the rule in the future.
Messi, who is 38, has played nine matches in just 35 days, including four games in the FIFA Club World Cup. Garber acknowledged the heavy schedule and said most other MLS teams had enjoyed a longer break than Inter Miami.
There were signs before the match that the players might not take part. Miami coach Javier Mascherano had said he would have preferred for Messi and Alba to rest, but added it wasn’t his decision.
