FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not face suspension after missing Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Friday.
The former Barcelona teammates, both selected for the showcase match by fans and media, sat out as MLS defeated Liga MX 3-1.
League rules allow for a one-match ban if players skip the All-Star Game without a valid medical reason, but Miami have not been notified of any sanctions. Mascherano defended the absences, citing fatigue.
“Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days,” he said, according to ESPN. “Messi showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he’s been playing. But luckily, he is returning today. Let’s hope he can train alongside the group so we can count on both of them for tomorrow’s game.”
Inter Miami host FC Cincinnati on Saturday at Chase Stadium, with Mascherano saying both Messi, 38, and Alba, 36, will be available depending on fitness.
Messi is tied as MLS’s top scorer with 18 goals and has 10 assists in just 17 league matches this season. He has also logged heavy minutes in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Alba, meanwhile, has contributed one goal and eight assists in 18 league appearances, in addition to continental and international cup duties.
