Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba could face a one-game suspension after withdrawing from Major League Soccer’s All-Star Game scheduled for Wednesday night in Austin, Texas.
Both players were originally expected to feature in the MLS squad to take on a team representing Mexico’s Liga MX. However, a league source confirmed that Inter Miami informed MLS officials on Wednesday that Messi and Alba would not be participating in the high-profile exhibition match.
Under MLS regulations, any selected player who pulls out of the All-Star Game without a valid medical reason is subject to a one-match suspension in league play. While Messi and Alba have both battled injuries recently, it remains unclear whether their absence meets the criteria for exemption.
A source told AFP that no disciplinary decision would be made until league officials speak directly with Inter Miami to understand the full context of the withdrawal.
The uncertainty over the duo’s involvement had been brewing since the weekend, when Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed his preference for them to rest amid a demanding fixture schedule.
“The players are called up. I’d prefer they rest, but it’s not my decision,” Mascherano said. “I know how important the All-Star Game is, and as far as I know, there’s no decision from the club – everything continues as normal.”
Messi, 38, and Alba, 36, have both dealt with recurring fitness issues this season. Inter Miami has also endured a packed calendar, including appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup, further testing the squad’s endurance.
