Reuters, July 25, 2025 NEW YORK: Lionel Messi has been suspended for one game after sitting out the MLS All-Star Game without prior approval, the league said on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Inter Miami forward and his teammate, Jordi Alba, did not compete on Wednesday despite not being injured, even though they were included in the All-Star roster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPer 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\u2019s next match,\u201d MLS said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The suspension will see them miss Inter Miami\u2019s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Messi has scored 18 goals so far this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Messi rested this week, according to Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLook, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days,\u201d Mascherano was quoted as saying by ESPN.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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