Messi, Suarez to miss MLS All-Star Game

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are out of Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio.

Messi rolled his ankle during the Copa America final on July 14. He was seen wearing a protective boot during a ceremony honoring his 45 career titles before Inter Miami's 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire on Saturday. Suarez started that match after coming off the bench in Inter Miami's 3-1 victory over Toronto FC three days earlier.

"Leo 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 in a statement obtained by Miami Herald reporter Michelle Kaufman. "Their availability for Saturday's League's Cup match will be assessed based on their daily recovery process."

Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are expected to participate in Wednesday's contest, which pits the best from MLS against All-Stars from Mexico's Liga MX.

Messi's absence from some of the league's biggest matches continues to hurt fans who purchased tickets from third-party websites at multiple times their face value. He's missed six contests this season and 12 since joining Inter Miami in July 2023.

The Chicago Fire said they'll offer vouchers to ticket holders if Messi doesn't play when Inter Miami visit Soldier Field on Aug. 31.

Messi hasn't yet played at Lower.com Field, the home of the Columbus Crew and venue for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. Inter Miami are scheduled to face the Crew in Columbus on Oct. 2.