New Delhi, July 26(HS): Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami have been suspended for one match by Major League Soccer (MLS) for not participating in the 2023 MLS All-Star Game. They will miss the upcoming league match against FC Cincinnati. According to MLS rules, players who do not attend the All-Star Game without prior approval are ineligible for their club’s next competition.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged Messi’s contributions to the league and understood the players’ commitments to Inter Miami but emphasized the necessity of adhering to existing policies. He expressed intentions to review this policy with players moving forward. Both Messi and Alba were fan and media selections for the All-Star match, which MLS All-Stars won 3-1, but neither played. Inter Miami is currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and will face first-placed FC Cincinnati at Chess Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, on Saturday night.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar