Lionel Messi, MLS and Miami
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Inter Miami played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw without the suspended Lionel Messi. Messi was not available for Saturday's game after he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping the All-Star game.
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AFP on MSNMessi-less Miami held by Cincinnati in MLSAn Inter Miami team missing the suspended Lionel Messi missed the chance to gain ground on Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati after being held to a 0-0 draw in Major League Soccer on Saturday.That meant Messi and Alba could only watch on from the sidelines in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday as Inter were frustrated by a well-organised Cincinnati team.
Lionel Messi has been suspended for one game after sitting out the MLS All-Star Game without prior approval, the league said on Friday. The Inter Miami forward and his teammate, Jordi Alba, did not compete on Wednesday despite not being injured,
The reigning MLS MVP was selected for the league's All-Star game but his club, Inter Miami, controversially decided he shouldn't play in it.
Messi played every minute in 22 of 23 matches since April 2, logging more than 2,000 minutes during the span. His last game off was April 27. He recently set an MLS record scoring two goals in five straight matches, and six of his last seven in the regular season.
Did Major League Soccer cut off its nose to spite its face when it suspended Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi? It's certainly a possibility. The league
Next week, Inter Miami will begin their run in the Leagues Cup, and a decision by Major League Soccer will put Lionel Messi at the center of attention. Inter Miami have been focused in recent weeks on collecting as many points as possible in Major League Soccer to close the gap at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Lionel Messi's second collaboration with Stanley has tumblers, mugs, and other bottles in the soccer player's original colorway.