After his unauthorized lack, world champion Lionel Messi is closed to the all-star game of the Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami’s upcoming top game. This was announced by the league on Friday, the same punishment is given to Messi’s teammate Jordi Alba.
The duo is not available in the duel with FC Cincinnati on Sunday night. Cincinnati is the leader of the Eastern Conference, Miami is seven points behind in fifth place – but has played three few games less.
“Each of the players who do not participate in the All-Star game without the league is not entitled to take part in the next game of his team,” the MLS quoted its regulations. Messi and Alba had canceled at short notice for the game against the selection of the Mexican league MX, which took place in Austin/Texas on Thursday night.
Messi and Alba were elected by fans and media in the MLS squad. The 38-year-old Messi had recently stood on the field five times over 90 minutes after the club World Cup and scored eight goals. The only defeat in this phase: a 0: 3 in Cincinnati.
MLS commissioner Don Garber now spoke of a “very difficult” decision with a view to the lock. “I know that Lionel Messi loves this league,” he said, “I don’t think there is a player who has done more for the MLS. I respect his decision. Unfortunately we have a guideline regarding participation in the all-star game, and we had to enforce them.”
However, the league wanted to check this guideline for the future.