Inter Miami players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been handed a one-match suspension by the Major League Soccer (MLS) after the duo didn’t participate in this year’s MLS All-Star game.
They will miss Miami’s next league match against FC Cincinnati.
“Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match,” the league said in a release on Friday.
“I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s a player – or anyone – who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision. Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
“That said, we’re going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve,” Garber added.
Both players were voted into the showcase by the fans and media but neither featured in the MLS squad’s 3-1 win against the Liga MX All-Stars.
Messi had missed the All-Star Game last year with an injury.
Miami, fifth in the Eastern Conference table, hosts first-placed FC Cincinnati on Saturday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com