July 25 (UPI) -- MLS suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba from Inter Miami's next match because of their decisions to skip the 2025 All-Star Game, the league announced Friday.
Messi and Alba were among leading vote getters for the competition, but were not on final rosters for the event Wednesday in Austin, Texas.
MLS policy states that players who do not participate in the game and related activities are prohibited from participating in their club's next match after the All-Star Game, subject to an injury exception.
"I know Lionel Messi loves this league," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. "I don't think there's a player -- or anyone -- who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.
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