Major League Soccer: Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba handed suspensions - here's why
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami have been suspended by Major League Soccer for missing Wednesday's All-Star game, making them ineligible for Saturday's match against FC Cincinnati.
The league announced the suspension on Friday, enforcing its policy that requires selected players to participate in the All-Star game unless they have valid reasons for absence.
The duo withdrew from the showcase event early Wednesday without revealing their reasons. The game was set to feature a combined MLS team against players from Mexico's Liga-MX as part of the league's All-Star break.
MLS rules mandate that players chosen for the All-Star game must participate unless they have a valid excuse, such as an injury.
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"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," the league stated.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber described it as a challenging decision to enforce the suspension.
"I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don't think there's a player -- or anyone -- who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi.
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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 indicated the league would review its existing policy.
"We're going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I'm committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve."
The Commissioner acknowledged the demanding schedule Messi has faced, noting that the 38-year-old Argentine has played nine games in 35 days, including four FIFA Club World Cup matches.
"Miami's had a schedule that is unlike any other team. Most of our teams had a 10-day break. Miami hasn't. So we have to manage through that as a league," Garber said.
The situation had been anticipated when Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed his preference for the players to rest instead of participating in the All-Star game. "The players are called up. I'd prefer they rest, but it's not my decision," Mascherano had stated last weekend.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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