Could Lionel Messi be suspended for sitting out MLS All-Star Game?
Both Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba will not take part in the exhibition game against Liga MX All-Stars.
MLS officials have confirmed that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not play in the All-Star Game on Wednesday evening, potentially breaking league rules.
The two Inter Miami players were voted into the league-wide roster to take on a Liga MX All-Star Team. However both Messi and Alba will not take part, ESPN reports that league officials have scheduled a meeting with Miami to know why they are not making themselves available.
MLS rules dictate that players who refuse to take part in the All-Star Game, without a medical reason, can be hit with a one-game suspension.
Both Messi and Alba started and scored for Inter Miami in the 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls last weekend. The decision not to play could be an attempt to manage their minutes in a season that has already been complicated by a deep run the Concacaf Champions Cup and appearance at the Club World Cup.
Already Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has voiced his concern over the health of Messi and Alba, questing why they should play in a non-competitive fixture in the middle of the season.
“The players are called up, I would like them to be able to rest but that is not my decision,” Mascherano said.
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