Lionel Messi was suspended for a match after being left out of MLS All-Star without prior approval, the League said on Friday (25).
Inter Miami striker and his teammate Jordi Alba did not compete on Wednesday, although they were not injured, even though they were included in the All-Star cast.
“According to league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star game without prior league approval is ineligible to compete in the next match of his club,” MLS said in a statement.
The suspension will cause them to lose the departure of Inter Miami against FC Cincinnati on Saturday (26). Messi has scored 18 goals so far this season.
The Argentine rested this week, according to Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
“Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days,” Mascherano said, according to ESPN.
