The superstars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not play when Inter Miami meet Cincinnati on Sunday night.
Major League Soccer (MLS) has decided to suspend the star duo after they opted out of this year's All Star match, a match they were both selected for.
"According to the league's rules, all players who do not participate in the All-Star match without the approval of the league are ineligible to compete in their club's next match", MLS announces in a statement.
MLS chief Don Garber emphasizes that the decision has not been easy, despite the rules being clear:
I know that Lionel Messi loves this league. I do not think there is a player – or anyone – who has done more for MLS than Messi. I understand, respect and admire his commitment to Inter Miami fully, and I respect his decision, says Garber according to Reuters and continues:
Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star match and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.
