Overview

• MLS announced that Messi and Alba will miss Inter Miami’s July 26 match against FC Cincinnati due to one-game suspensions for skipping the All-Star Game
• League regulations require players to participate in the All-Star fixture unless granted prior exemption or face ineligibility for their club’s next match
• Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said the club received no formal notice of the bans and defended the decision as a response to accumulated match fatigue
• Both stars did not train with the squad all week because of fatigue but are expected to return to group sessions once their suspensions are served
• Mascherano urged MLS to reconsider midweek showcase scheduling to protect player welfare during a congested season calendar