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3d ago

Messi and Alba to Skip MLS All-Star Game, Risk One-Match Suspension

The league will confer with Inter Miami on enforcing a clause that sidelines noninjured All-Stars who skip the midseason exhibition.

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Overview

  • MLS officials confirmed that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, both voted into the All-Star roster, will not play in the July 23 exhibition in Austin, Texas.
  • The pair were absent from All-Star training sessions on July 21 and 22, fueling speculation before the official announcement.
  • Under league bylaws, any noninjured player who opts out of the All-Star Game must miss his next club match as a form of suspension.
  • MLS has scheduled discussions with Inter Miami to determine whether Messi and Alba will serve the one-game penalty ahead of their July 26 fixture against FC Cincinnati.
  • Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano had advocated resting his key players due to their heavy minutes across domestic and international competitions.