Both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, who plays for Inter Miami, have been suspended for one game each for missing this week’s Major League Soccer All-Star game.
The pair did not attend the MLS team’s 3-1 triumph over the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday in Austin, Texas.
“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” Major League Soccer stated in a statement on Friday.
Consequently, the pair will not be present at Miami’s league home game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. While Alba, 36, has made 19 appearances in the MLS this season, Argentina superstar Messi, 38, has scored 18 goals in as many games for Javier Mascherano’s team.
Both players contributed to the Miami team’s march to the Fifa Club World Cup quarterfinals.
