Soccer Tejas
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Major League Soccer has taken action on FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi for missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
The top tier for soccer in the United States and Canada announced on Friday its decision to suspend Inter Miami CF stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, both of worldwide notoriety from their time at FC Barcelona, for electing to not participate in the league’s summer showcase last Wednesday.
MLS rules dictate that players who miss the All-Star Game for a reason other than injury are to be suspended one league match.
The league’s statement read as follows:
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.
Messi and Alba will not be eligible for Inter Miami CF for their home match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Manager Javier Mascherano will have to do without two of his top stars for the encounter.
