Lionel Messi was excluded from the MLS star match tonight against a Liga MX Select XI in Austin, but should escape a suspension.
Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were elected on the list and the eight times the winner of Ballon d’Or was to make his debut in the match.
But he will no longer play with dismissals usually slapped with a ban on a match by Major League Soccer.
Many reports only suggest neither Messi nor Alba will not be punished, however, having had to face a calendar charged in recent weeks due to Miami’s participation in the Club World Cup.
The Argentina superstar played every minute in 22 of the last 23 games from Florida in all competitions, despite 38 years.
Despite this workload, he maintained his usual high standards, scoring at least two goals in the last seven MLS MIMA games, including a series of five games in a row.
This is the second consecutive year in which he had to withdraw. In 2024, he underwent an ankle injury in the final of Copa America who kept him away for several weeks.
Alba participated last year, but will be held on this match after starting six of the last seven games in Miami.
Messi and Alba are likely to play when Miami hosts FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
