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Major League Soccer (MLS) announced this Friday a one-match suspension for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, players of Inter Miami, due to their unexcused absence at this week's All-Star Game held in Austin, Texas.
"Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi will not be available for their club's match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, due to their absence from this week's MLS All-Star Game," the league announced.
The MLS explained that, according to its regulations, any player called up to the All-Star game who does not participate without prior approval from the league is automatically disqualified from playing in the next official match of their team, as reported by the channel Telemundo 31.
Messi and Alba were on the roster of the stars' team from the U.S. league that faced a selection from Liga MX last Wednesday, but they were ruled out just a few hours before the event.
In a press conference, the coach of Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano, explained that both players are carrying a significant physical load.
"One part of the plan was that today, both Messi and Jordi will join the team training. They have not trained with the group at all this week," the Argentine coach confirmed.
Regarding Messi in particular, Mascherano pointed out that he showed "normal fatigue" resulting from the high demand of accumulated minutes in recent matches.
The coach also questioned the league's schedule, specifically pointing to the organization of the All-Star event between competitive matchdays.
"In this type of event, if they want to hold it, there shouldn't be a date. It can't be done during the week with the schedule we have; it's madness," he stated.
The sanction leaves Inter Miami without two of its key players for the crucial match against FC Cincinnati, one of their direct rivals in the race for the top of the Eastern Conference.
Messi, the current top scorer of the tournament, and Alba, an undisputed starter in Mascherano's scheme, will have to serve their mandatory suspension with no possibility of appeal, unless the league reverses its decision.
Frequently Asked Questions about the sanction of Messi and Jordi Alba in the MLS
Why were Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba sanctioned by MLS?
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were suspended by MLS for one match due to their unexcused absence from the All-Star Game. According to league regulations, players selected for the All-Star Game who do not participate without prior approval are automatically ineligible to play in their team's next official match.
What was the reason for Messi and Alba's absence in the All-Star Game?
The coach of Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano, explained that Messi and Alba did not participate due to significant physical strain. Messi experienced "normal fatigue" from the high demand of minutes accumulated in recent matches, and both players joined the group training only on the day of the match against FC Cincinnati.
What impact does the sanction have on Inter Miami?
The sanction leaves Inter Miami without two of its key players for the crucial match against FC Cincinnati, one of the direct rivals in the battle for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Messi, the current leading scorer of the tournament, and Alba, an undisputed starter, must serve the mandatory suspension with no possibility of immediate appeal.
What is Javier Mascherano's stance on the league schedule and the All-Star Game?
Javier Mascherano criticized the organization of the All-Star Game by pointing out that such events should not be scheduled during competitive match weeks. The coach believes that the current calendar is "crazy" and that All-Star games should be avoided during weeks with official matches.
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