Inter Miami's star player Lionel Messi will be sidelined for the upcoming MLS All-Star Game due to an ankle injury he sustained during the Copa America final on July 14. Messi, a renowned 37-year-old Argentine forward and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has been absent from Miami's recent victories over Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire as he focuses on his recovery.
Joining Messi on the unavailable list for the All-Star Game is his teammate Luis Suárez, who is dealing with knee discomfort. The team has stated that both players' availability for Saturday's Leagues Cup opening match against Mexican club Puebla will depend on their daily recovery progress.
The MLS All-Star Game, scheduled to take place in Columbus, Ohio, features top players from MLS clubs facing off against players from Mexico's Liga MX. Despite Messi and Suárez's absence, Miami will still be represented by teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the game.
Real Salt Lake forward Cristian Arango will also be missing from the All-Star Game as he serves a four-game suspension from Major League Soccer for violating the league’s anti-harassment policy. Arango, who leads MLS with 17 goals and 11 assists, will have to sit out the prestigious event.
As the anticipation builds for the MLS All-Star Game, fans will have to adjust their expectations without the presence of Messi, Suárez, and Arango on the field. However, the stage remains set for an exciting clash between the best talents from MLS and Liga MX.
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