Messi and Alba Unavailable for Match Against FC Cincinnati

NEW YORK: Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami will be suspended for one game. This action comes after they participated in the MLS All-Star Game without obtaining the necessary clearance beforehand, as stated by the league on Friday.

According to Major League Soccer regulations, any All-Star participant who is absent from the game without a documented injury or an authorized exemption from the league will face a one-match suspension.

The official announcement regarding the suspension of Messi and Alba has been issued by the league in a formal statement.

“According to league regulations, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior authorization from the league is not eligible to compete in their club’s subsequent match,” MLS stated.

Inter Miami’s key players will now be absent from Saturday’s home game against FC Cincinnati, the current frontrunners in the Eastern Conference.

Lionel Messi has recorded 18 goals throughout the current season.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged Messi’s impact on the league’s popularity but emphasized the necessity of enforcing established regulations.

“I am aware that Lionel Messi has a deep affection for this league. I believe that no player—or individual, for that matter—has contributed more to Major League Soccer than Messi. I fully appreciate, respect, and admire his dedication to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision,” Garber stated.

“Regrettably, we have a longstanding policy concerning participation in the All-Star Game, and we were obligated to uphold it. It was a particularly challenging choice.”

All-Star competitions are standard in North American sports, where the men’s ‘Big Four’ leagues utilize these events to promote their star athletes. However, such events are infrequent in professional soccer.

“We will carefully re-evaluate the policy moving forward. I am dedicated to collaborating with our players to determine how the rule should evolve,” Garber concluded.