Lionel Messi will not play in FC Cincinnati match: Here’s why

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Soccer legend and Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi will not play against FC Cincinnati this weekend, according to Major League Soccer.

The announcement came Friday where MLS Communications reported Messi, along with his teammate Jordi Alba, “will be unavailable for the club’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26.”

MLS says this is due to the pair’s absence at the All-Star Game in Austin, Texas July 23.

According to league rules, players who do not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from MLS are not allowed to play in their club’s next match.

ESPN reported that both Messi and Alba were removed from the All-Star Game roster before the match began.

Before he knew his players would be sanctioned, Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano told ESPN that All-Star games should not be scheduled between tournaments due to player fatigue or overall wellness.

He also emphasized that Messi is not injured.

Saturday’s match will take place in Florida at Chase Stadium where both teams will meet again just 10 days after FCC’s 3-0 win against the Herons. This is a regular season game.

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