MLS Suspends Messi & Alba for Skipping All-Star Match
The Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Friday the suspension of Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba for one match, following their absence from the MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars.
In a statement, MLS said: "Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi, players of Inter Miami CF, will not participate in the club's match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, due to their absence from this week's MLS All-Star Game."
The statement added: "In accordance with league rules, any player who misses the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is not eligible to participate in their team's next match."
Messi and Alba were selected to represent the MLS All-Stars in the high-profile game but did not take part due to severe physical fatigue, a result of the long and demanding season.
Inter Miami's head coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed his frustration with the congested match schedule, stressing that players need adequate rest to maintain their physical and technical performance.
read more
Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16
World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider
Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico
Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify
Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup
Sports
Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup
Sports
Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title
Sports
Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek
Sports
Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest
News
Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters
Arts & Culture
"Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
Videos & Features
Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall
Lifestyle
Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt
Arts & Culture
South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle
Business
Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs
Sports
Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
News
"Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence"
News
Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
MLS suspension of Messi and Alba is ‘draconian': Inter Miami owner - World
The owner of Inter Miami called Major League Soccer's suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for skipping the All-Star Game a 'draconian' punishment. 'They don't understand the decision,' owner Jorge Mas said Friday of the one-game suspensions. 'They don't understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.' Messi and Alba did not suit up for the match between the MLS and Liga MX of Mexico despite being voted to the game. Messi did not play to rest amid a packed schedule and Alba was dealing with a previous injury. Mas said the club made the decision for Messi and Alba to sit out of the All-Star Game. Per MLS rules, any player who doesn't participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match. The players will miss Miami's home match Saturday against FC Cincinnati, which sits atop the Eastern Conference standings. Both Messi and Alba practiced with the club on Friday in anticipation of playing in Saturday's match before MLS announced the suspension. 'I know Lionel Messi loves this league,' said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. 'I don't think there's a player — or anyone — who has done more for Major League Soccer 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. It was a very difficult decision.' Garber added that the league will re-evaluate the policy and work with players to 'determine how the rule should evolve.' Mas said Inter Miami expressed its disagreement over the suspension and the rule. Mas also noted there were six MLS games Friday night less than 48 hours after an All-Star Game. 'That's not right,' Mas said. 'That's not right to the players.' (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
14 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Hogan's Tribute Set for WWE Friday Night SmackDown Tonight
Rana Atef On Friday, it was reported that WWE will host a major tribute to Hulk Hogan, who passed away yesterday at the age of 71. Hogan, who was a key contributor in moving pro wrestling to the world of entertainment and global fame, will be honoured with a farewell fit for a legend at SmackDown. Sources tell TMZ Sports WWE is currently working on finalizing all the details to pay homage to Hogan with names like Jimmy Hart, Sgt. Slaughter and the "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase participating in the tribute that will take place during tonight's WWE Friday Night SmackDown. The tribute to Hogan is expected to be more than the 10-bell salute. Major and iconic WWE and pro wrestling superstars paid touching tributes to the legend, such as Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Dominik Mysterio, Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes, Charlotte Flair, whose father is Hogan's best friend, Andrade, Nick Aldis, John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Bully Ray, Adam Pearce, The Miz, and others. The former president of WWE Vince McMahon issued a statement on Hogan's death. In addition, Eric Bischoff, who played a vital role in producing and creating NWO and Hollywood Hogan, responded to the devastating news. Also, AEW's the Young Bucks, Taz, Tony Schiavone, Chris Jericho, Sting, and official Will Washington, TNA Impact's Matt Hardy, and NJPW's Chase Owens paid tribute to the late icon. A number of legends such as Kevin Nash, Jake the Snake, and Kenta Kubashi mourned Hogan's death. Several promotions mourned the death of Hogan, such as WWE, TNA, NJPW, MLW, and Free American Style, which Hogan was planned for its debut show. US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance also mourned the death of Hogan. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
See - Sada Elbalad
14 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Real Madrid's Contract Talks with Vinícius Jr. Hit New Stalemate
Rana Atef On Friday, media reports provided a new update about the situation of Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid, as the negotiations between both sides are still in progress. Earlier in the summer, it was reported that Vinicius has a verbal agreement with Los Blancos over a new deal which is expected to be a long-term one. However, a recent report from Cadena SER has highlighted that there are several disagreements between Real Madrid and Vinicius. As per the report, Vinicius' key demand was to be equated with Kylian Mbappe in terms of salary, which is rejected by the club. Real Madrid's refusal caused a stalemate in negotiations, as the club didn't plan to offer Vinicius such a huge salary. If no agreement is reached between the two clubs this summer, Real Madrid could be open to selling the Brazilian international, especially with Saudi Arabia proposing an offer worth €200 million. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
