Messi, Alba suspended for skipping MLS All-Star Game

Major League Soccer suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Inter Miami's meeting with FC Cincinnati on Saturday after they controversially missed Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game.

The league revealed on the day of the match against Liga MX All-Stars that the pair wouldn't play despite being voted onto the roster by fans and media, leading to speculation that MLS would ban them for one match.

Miami head coach Javier Mascherano announced Friday that Messi and Alba returned to training in anticipation of Saturday's match against FC Cincinnati. However, MLS belatedly punished the former Barcelona players.

"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," MLS said in a statement.

MLS commissioner Don Garber said the league would look into changing the policy of suspending players who skip future All-Star Games and declared that "nobody has done more for Major League Soccer than Lionel Messi."

"His decision (not to attend) is not one that I really can argue with whatsoever, and I understand it," Garber added in a phone interview with The Athletic's Paul Tenorio. "But unfortunately, we have a longstanding policy relating to player participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce that policy.

"It was a very, very difficult decision, but one I hope both (Messi) and everyone else can understand and respect. He has shown up for his club, for his teammates, for our league time and time again, and I respect his decision."

Mascherano said Messi missed the showpiece game in Austin, Texas, due to fatigue, while Alba was reportedly dealing with a knock suffered in the team's 5-1 road win against the New York Red Bulls last Saturday.

"Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days. But luckily, (Messi) is returning today," Mascherano said, according to ESPN's Lizzy Becherano. "Let's hope he can train alongside the group so we can count on both of them for tomorrow's game."

Mascherano added before MLS suspended the two stars: "We haven't received any (sanction)."

Mascherano also voiced his support for the All-Star Game but suggested holding it on a weekend to allow players more rest.

The MLS All-Stars beat their Liga MX counterparts 3-1 on Wednesday. Nashville SC's Sam Surridge, Philadelphia Union's Tai Baribo, and Vancouver Whitecaps' Brian White scored for MLS. Club Tijuana's Gilberto Mora netted Liga MX's goal to become the youngest scorer in MLS All-Star Game history at 16.