Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been handed one-match suspensions after their absence from Wednesday night's All-Star game.
Both Inter Miami CF stars had been picked in the 26-player roster to face Liga MX, but neither player travelled for the game and were subsequently removed from the team hours before the match was due to get underway.
MLS All-Stars won the game 3–1, but attention quickly turned to whether or not Messi and Alba would be sanctioned by the league's governing body, with rules stipulating that both players should be suspended for one match for not participating.
Their absence from Miami's MLS clash with FC Cincinnati on Saturday has now been confirmed. A statement read: “Inter Miami CF’s Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi will be unavailable for the club’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, due to their absence at this week’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
“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.”
In his pre-match media availability on Friday, head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters that he'd not been told of any potential unavailability, rather stating that Messi has been dealing with fatigue and had not trained significantly over the course of the week.
“Well, Messi showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he's been playing,” the Argentine head coach said. “Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days. But luckily, he is returning today. Let's hope he can train alongside the group so we can count on them for tomorrow's game. We haven't received any [sanction.]”
The match against FC Cincinnati is a critical one in the Eastern Conference and MLS Supporters’ Shield title race, with Cincinnati sitting first in both standings with 49 points, and Miami not far behind with 41 points, having three games in hand.
Two weeks ago, FC Cincinnati defeated Inter Miami 3–0 and their talismanic Designated Player, Evander, took on MLS All-Star captaincy honors, after Messi avoided the matchup.
FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan was also not clear on Messi and Alba’s availability, telling local reporters that the team was preparing as though the two superstars would be suspended, as per the league’s own rules.
“I don't necessarily know that we need clarity. There's rules. I'm aware of those,” he said, before MLS‘ ruling was confirmed. “We're under the impression that we'll prepare for the game without those two available.”
