As the MLS All-Star game approaches on Wednesday night in Austin, Texas, modifications have been implemented on the participant listing, with Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba opting out of the competition. This pair will not participate against the Liga MX All-Stars, despite their original selection and presumed inclusion in the starting lineup. The reason for their absence has not been disclosed, but a one-game suspension may be applied according to league regulations.
Messi did not appear in the MLS All-Star game of the previous year due to a physical ailment, but based on league policy, any player who is absent without verified medical justification may be given a one-match suspension. Should a suspension occur, Messi and Alba would be unable to participate in Miami’s forthcoming match against FC Cincinnati, scheduled at their home field on Saturday.
After having recently lost to Cincinnati with a score of 3-0 on July 16, the Herons require a victory this upcoming weekend to make progress toward the upper tier of the Eastern Conference, wherein they are currently seven points behind Cincinnati. Despite having three games available following their involvement in the Club World Cup, acquiring actual points on the leaderboard is of higher value than future potential points.
“Regarding anything that might occur in relation to the next weekend, we won’t be discussing it today, considering that the game is not until the upcoming weekend, and there is no immediate need to announce that,” stated MLS commissioner Don Garber on Wednesaday. “We are actively managing that process, but I want to address something that we, as a league, consistently handle. We host an all-star game, which we consider a significant priority, much like all other leagues … It is well-known that all-star games possess a unique nature in the context of all leagues, influencing where they fit within the schedule and how they are prioritized for all stakeholders, encompassing not only players but also fans and partners who use this as a break, in addition to all the meetings we’ve conducted. This marks the first occasion where all of our CSOs, CBOs, and owners are present. It is an essential midseason pause for us. Concurrently, we have a player who is … He has participated in nine matches over 30 days. Miami has faced a schedule unlike that of any other team. A majority of our teams experienced a 10-day interval. Miami has not. We had Leo engaging for 90 minutes in practically all of the games in which he participated … As a league, we must manage this. At the same time, regulations are in place, and we must also manage within those constraints. Therefore, we would have been delighted to have Leo here. We would have been pleased to have every player who was selected for the all-star team present, and following this all-star game, we will determine the necessary actions for this weekend. I was informed this morning that neither Jordi nor Messi engaged in practice today; Jordi sustained an injury in the most recent game, and we will need to navigate the details that Miami presents about that situation.
“We should have been aware earlier, we should have addressed it earlier. There is no question about that.”
What developments might unfold?
In communication with The Athletic, MLS conveyed, “The league office must consult with the club before confirming the players’ availability for Saturday.”
This process holds importance in ascertaining the reasons for Messi and Alba’s non-participation in the All-Star game on Wednesday, which is a prominent occasion for the league. In the faceoff with Liga MX All-Stars, Messi was anticipated to compete against former Real Madrid individuals Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez on the field in Austin, which is no longer scheduled to occur.
Valid justifications for absence exist, highlighting the significance of the league’s determination during their discussion with Inter Miami. MLS Commissioner Don Garber is expected to speak ahead of the All-Star game on Wednesday to address the condition of the league, and with this progression, Messi may also be included in that communication.
Viewing details for MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars
- Date: Wednesday, July 23 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Q2 Stadium — Austin, Texas
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
