Messi and Suarez to Miss MLS All-Star Game Due to Injuries

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will not be participating in the MLS All-Star Game against Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars, as announced by the league and the team on Monday.

Injury Details

Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, and his Uruguayan teammate Luis Suarez have been ruled out due to injuries. Messi is recovering from a right ankle injury sustained during Argentina’s Copa America final victory over Colombia, which also caused him to miss two MLS matches last week. Suarez, who recently returned from international duty, is sidelined with knee discomfort.

Missed Opportunity

This All-Star Game would have marked Messi’s first appearance in the MLS showcase. Since joining Inter Miami last July, the 37-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in his first 12 games of the 2024 season, setting a record for the quickest to 25 goal contributions in an MLS season. Despite his impressive performance, Messi will miss the chance to feature in this high-profile match.

Team and Player Updates

Inter Miami’s official statement clarified that Messi and Suarez’s availability for the upcoming home match against Mexico’s Puebla on Saturday, where they will begin defending their Leagues Cup title, is still uncertain. Their participation will depend on their daily recovery progress.

Meanwhile, Miami’s Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are set to play in the All-Star Game. Additionally, Real Salt Lake forward Cristian Arango will also miss the game as he serves a four-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-harassment policy. Arango is currently the league’s top scorer with 17 goals and 11 assists.