The MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, will not see the participation of Inter Miami’s star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez due to their respective injuries.
Messi, a 37-year-old from Argentina and an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, sustained a right ankle injury during the July 14 Copa America final win against Colombia.
Suárez, his teammate, has also been sidelined due to “knee discomfort” as stated by the team. Both players were listed as unavailable by the league on Monday. Consequently, Messi and Suárez were absent in Miami’s victories against Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire. The team has stated that their availability for the Leagues Cup opening match against Mexican club Puebla on Saturday will depend on their daily recovery process.
Despite the absence of Messi and Suárez, their Miami teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will still be participating in the All-Star Game. However, Real Salt Lake’s Cristian Arango, who currently leads MLS with 17 goals and 11 assists, will not be able to play due to a four-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-harassment policy.
