Former Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez to miss MLS All-Star game due to injuries

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez of Inter Miami will not participate in Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game due to injuries, the league and team announced on Monday, Soccernet.football reports

The updated MLS roster for the game against Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars in Columbus, Ohio, confirmed the absence of Messi and Uruguayan striker Suarez.

Inter Miami explained the reasons for their absence.

Messi is still recovering from a right ankle injury he sustained during Argentina’s Copa America final win over Colombia. This injury also caused him to miss two MLS matches last week.

“Messi will miss the All-Star Game due to an ankle injury while Luis Suarez, who recently returned from international duty after over 40 days away from the club, will miss the All-Star Game due to knee discomfort,” Inter Miami said.

The game would have marked the first MLS All-Star appearance for 37-year-old Messi, who joined Inter Miami last July. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner led Miami to victory in last year’s inaugural Leagues Cup.

Inter Miami also mentioned that the availability of Messi and Suarez for Saturday’s home match against Mexico’s Puebla is uncertain.

This match is crucial as it marks Inter Miami’s first step in defending their Leagues Cup title. The team will assess the players’ readiness based on their daily recovery progress.