Inter Miami stars, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, have been hit with one-match suspensions after opting out of the Major League Soccer All-Star Game held earlier this week in Austin, Texas.
The pair were absent from Wednesday’s encounter in which the MLS All-Stars clinched a 3-1 victory over their Liga MX counterparts.
Their non-participation, according to league rules, triggered an automatic ban from their next league fixture.
“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,” MLS confirmed in a statement released on Friday.
As a result, Messi and Alba will be sidelined for Inter Miami’s upcoming home clash against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the weight of the decision, calling it a “very difficult” one.
“I know Lionel Messi loves this league,” Garber said.
“I don’t think there’s a player – or anyone – who has done more for MLS 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.”
Messi, 38, has been in electric form for Miami this season, netting 18 goals in 18 MLS appearances.
His former Barcelona teammate Alba, 36, has also played a key role with 19 league appearances under his belt.
The duo were pivotal in Miami’s run to the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals, where they bowed out to Paris Saint-Germain — who went on to reach the final.
Since that exit, Inter Miami have played five matches in July, with Messi continuing his scoring spree by finding the net eight times.
Head coach Javier Mascherano spoke earlier to ESPN, noting the heavy schedule his captain has endured.
“Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days,” Mascherano said.
“[Messi] showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he’s been playing.”