Messi, Alba Absent from MLS All-Star Game

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami will not participate in Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX All-Stars, despite being selected for the roster. Their absence, which also included missing mandatory training sessions and All-Star events, was unexplained by medical reasons and surprised fellow MLS players. Under MLS rules, such absences could result in a one-game suspension, possibly making them ineligible for Inter Miami's next match against FC Cincinnati, though league officials are still consulting with the club. The policy has previously led to suspensions of star players like Zlatan Ibrahimović. International stars such as Sergio Ramos for Liga MX and Hirving Lozano for MLS are set to participate, maintaining the event's high profile. The fourth edition of the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star format draws attention, but the absence of marquee players like Messi and Alba raises questions about player engagement and league policies.