Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba suspended for missing All-Star game | OneFootball

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano will not be able to pick Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati.

They have been handed a one-game suspension by Major League Soccer (MLS) for skipping the All-Star Game in Austin on Wednesday.

Mascherano told reporters on Friday that Messi had missed the fixture due to fatigue, while Alba is dealing with a minor injury.

However, the duo were liable for sanctions as MLS did not approve their absence and confirmed their ban in a statement. Miami’s co-owner Jorge Mas said Messi is unhappy about the decision.

He said (per ESPN): “Lionel Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club, with the fact that they won’t be able to play tomorrow night.

“But I think what we have to do as a club is to get together as one, have an attitude that is us against the world.”

Messi and Alba have been two of the most important players for Miami this season.

The Argentine has scored 18 goals in 18 appearances for the Herons, while Alba has featured in 19 games and weighed in with six goal contributions.

The duo were part of the Miami team that made it to the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi has since played five matches for the MLS outfit this month, scoring eight times.

His absence will be a blow for Miami, who are currently fifth in their conference with 41 points from 21 matches.

Stats from Transfermarkt.