NEW YORK: Lionel Messi has been suspended for one game after sitting out the MLS All-Star Game without prior approval, the league said on Friday. The Inter Miami forward and his teammate, Jordi Alba, did not compete on Wednesday despite not being injured, even though they were included in the All-Star roster. “Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match,” MLS said in a statement. The suspension will see them miss Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

The Inter Miami stars did not travel to Austin, Texas, for the game, which is taking place in the middle of a busy period for the league

Former Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba could have been banned for one match after sitting out All-Star match.