Lionel Messi to face one-match ban for skipping All-Star game? MLS Commissioner says 'we do have rules'

MLS Commissioner Don Garber recently shared his views on Lionel Messi's absence in this year's All-star game. The Inter Miami skipper failed to honor the invitation to the All-star roster, fueling speculations of a possible one-game ban from MLS.

MLS Commissioner defends Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba's absence from All-Star game

In the mid-season address before the match in Austin, the MLS Commissioner highlighted that Inter Miami's schedule was packed and they should understand Messi and Jordi Alba's case. He did not clearly say whether the duo would be punished for their absence.

"Miami's schedule is unlike any other — most teams had a 10-day break, they didn’t. Messi’s played 90 mins almost every game. We’d love to have him here, but he and Jordi didn’t train today. Alba picked up an injury, and we’ll see what Miami says. We have rules, but we also have to manage situations like this," he said (via Inter Miami News Hub).

This month, Lionel Messi played five full games in the MLS, and four full games in the FIFA Club World Cup in June. Inter Miami coach, Javier Mascherano, has repeatedly pointed out that Messi needs rest.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba did not join the squad for any training sessions and did not make a presence for the All-Star game. The duo was not present at Inter Miami's practice session on Wednesday, which indicates proper need for rest.

As per MLS rules, players have to face a one-match ban if they fail to turn up for the All-Star game.

MLS All-Stars defeat Liga MX despite Lionel Messi's absence

It was not a case of problem for Nico Estevez led MLS All-Star claimed a 3-1 victory over the Liga MX All-Star team. The MLS side had also claimed victory in the skills challenge a day earlier.

Sam Surridge, who is joint top-scorer in MLS, opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Tai Boribo came off the bench and netted a second after 51 minutes. Sixteen-year-old Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora scored an amazing goal for the Liga MX team in the 64th minute before Brian White scored the third goal for MLS side.