Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been suspended after failing to appear at the MLS All-Star Game against their Liga MX counterparts on Wednesday.
Messi, 38 and his Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba have been given one-match bans for skipping MLS All-Stars 3-1 win over their Liga MX counterparts.
“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 said in a statement on Friday.
The legendary Argentinian will now miss Inter Miami’s home game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
MLS commissioner Don Garber admitted suspending Messi was a “very difficult decision”.
“I know Lionel Messi loves this league,” he 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.”
