MLS officials have confirmed that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not play in the All-Star match on Wednesday evening, making it possible to violate the competition rules.
The two Inter Miami players were voted in the competition-wide selection to adopt a League MX All-Star team. Both Messi and Alba, however, will not participate, ESPN reports that competition officials have planned a meeting with Miami to know why they do not make themselves available.
MLS rules determine that players who refuse to participate in the All-Star game, without a medical reason, can be struck with a suspension of one game.
Both Messi and Alba started and scored for Inter Miami in the 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls last weekend. The decision not to play could be an attempt to manage their minutes in a season that has already been complicated by a deep run de Concacaf Champions Cup and appearance at the World Cup club.
Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has already expressed his concern about the health of Messi and Alba and is looking for why they should play in a non-competitive luminaire in the middle of the season.
“The players are called up, I would like them to be able to rest, but that is not my decision,” said Mascherano.
Pick up your game! Whether you have from NFL-Touchdowns, NBA-Zoemer-Beaters, football goals from World Class or MLB home runs, our app has it all.