Messi and Alba miss the match against Cincinnati after MLS suspension
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano will not be able to count on Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba in the match against FC Cincinnati. MLS decided to sanction both players with a one-match suspension for not participating in the MLS All-Star Game held in Austin, Texas. The league communicated the decision to both clubs on Saturday, regarding the match scheduled at Chase Stadium. According to league rules, any player who decides not to participate in the event without an approved medical reason may be suspended for one match. “Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF will not be available for the club’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, due to their absence from this week’s Major League Soccer All-Star Game,” the league said in a statement. The league added that, according to the rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league will not be able to compete in their club’s next match.Although Messi and Alba were selected by the fans and the media, the league informed on the day of the event that they would not be part of the All-Star Game.
Mascherano commented during Friday’s training that, although the All-Star Game is a good idea in theory, it should not be scheduled between tournaments so that players can participate in optimal conditions. At the time of training, Mascherano still did not know that his stars would be sanctioned. Mascherano pointed out that Messi showed normal fatigue due to the number of matches and minutes played.
