Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been hit with one-match suspensions by Major League Soccer (MLS) for failing to attend the league’s All-Star Game, a violation of MLS rules.

The Argentine icon and his Spanish teammate were notably absent from Wednesday’s All-Star fixture in Austin, Texas, where the MLS squad defeated Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars 3-1.

In a statement released Friday, MLS confirmed the disciplinary action:

“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.”

As a result, both Messi and Alba will miss Inter Miami’s home clash against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the difficulty of suspending Messi, who has played a transformative role in raising the profile of American soccer since joining the league.

“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, 37, has been in blistering form this season, scoring 18 goals in 18 MLS appearances. Alba, 36, has featured 19 times for Miami and remains a crucial piece of the team’s defensive structure.

Both players, formerly teammates at FC Barcelona, also helped guide Inter Miami to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup before exiting against Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking earlier to ESPN, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano hinted at physical strain being the reason behind Messi’s absence.

“Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days,” Mascherano said.
“Messi has shown normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he’s been playing.”

Despite the ban, both stars are expected to return after the weekend for Miami’s push toward the top of the Eastern Conference standings.