Major League Soccer have disciplined Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for missing the All Star game this weekend.
The MLS All Stars secured a 3-1 win over Liga MX All Stars on Wednesday night in Austin, Texas.
Messi and Alba were both voted into the All Star team by fans and the media, but the league confirmed before the clash that duo would not feature.
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The league have now confirmed both players will receive one-game suspensions in accordance with the league rules.
"Inter Miami CF's Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi will be unavailable for the club's match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26, due to their absence at this week's Major League Soccer All-Star Game," the league said in a statement.
"Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match."
MLS commissioner Don Garber has now explained the decision to suspend Messi.
"I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don't think there's a player -- or anyone -- who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi," MLS commissioner Don Garber said on Friday in a written statement.
"I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.
"Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.
"That said, we're going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I'm committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve."
