In a shocking turn of events, superstar Lionel Messi and his teammate Jordi Alba will miss the much-anticipated MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, and now face potential suspension from Inter Miami’s upcoming match as a consequence!

Despite being selected to represent their club at the All-Star festivities in Austin, Texas, the two stars chose to skip the event. Alba was initially set to compete in the All-Star skills challenge, but he suddenly withdrew with no explanation provided. As for Messi, the league remained tight-lipped on why both players were absent.

A Growing Tradition in Soccer!

The MLS All-Star Game, which has been an integral part of the league since its inception in 1996, has evolved significantly over time. Initially resembling a classic East vs. West showdown, it has transformed into thrilling matches featuring top international clubs – with teams like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Juventus gracing the pitch. However, in recent years, it's become a tradition for MLS to face off against Liga MX squads.

This year’s clash is particularly crucial as it's one of the rare chances for club representatives to gather, especially after the SuperDraft moved to virtual formats. According to MLS rules, players are obligated to participate unless injured, or else they must face a one-match suspension.

Timing is Everything!

As the league experiences a jam-packed schedule, Miami's upcoming matches could severely impact their performance. They have already played five games this July after a setback in the Club World Cup against PSG. With a key matchup against FC Cincinnati—currently leading the Eastern Conference—looming on the horizon, the absence of Messi and Alba might prove detrimental.

A Precedent Set in Stone!

This situation isn't the first of its kind. Back in 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimović faced a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star event, labeling the decision as “ridiculous.” He expressed his frustrations with the league's rules, indicating that they didn't resonate with his past experiences in professional soccer.

As fans wait to see how the drama unfolds, will Messi and Alba's absence cast a shadow over Inter Miami's season? Stay tuned!