Featured Image Credit: Jeff Dean / Stringer via Getty
Topics: Lionel Messi, MLS, Inter Miami, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Football, Major League Soccer
James Taylor
Topics: Lionel Messi, MLS, Inter Miami, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Football, Major League Soccer
Lionel Messi is facing the prospect of a ban amid speculation that he will break a strict MLS rule which Zlatan Ibrahimovic also breached.
The MLS All-Stars are set to face Liga MX All-Stars on 24 July at 02:00 GMT, but Messi is yet to train with the team ahead of the game
His last appearance came in Inter Miami's 5-1 dismantling of New York Red Bulls, as he bagged another brace.
There are 26 MLS players in the squad for the friendly, including Hirving Lozano, Jordi Alba and Diego Rossi, but MLS bosses are desperate for Messi to feature.
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As one of the greatest players of all time, the Argentinian is key for organisers trying to attract more fans to the event.
However, if the 38-year-old does not play, then he may be hit with a one-game suspension for Inter Miami in line with MLS rules.
MLS All-Stars coach Nico Estevez has already been asked about the former Barcelona star's absence from training.
He said: "I don’t know. That question should be asked to the MLS officials.
"I just coach the players they give me. Of course, I’d love for him to play.
"It would be a pleasure to work, even if just for a short time, with the greatest of all time.”
Before the All-Stars game, the MLS Skills Challenge also takes place, where the players take on a range of skill-related games.
Messi was not present for that event, nor will he attend the MLS All-Star Media Day.
Ibrahimovic pulled out of the game in 2018, while he was playing for LA Galaxy.
The Los Angeles based club said that as they were playing three games that week, it would involve too much travelling for the Swede if he went to Atlanta for the game.
Ibrahimovic had scored 15 goals in 17 games at that stage of the season, so his absence was a major blow to event organisers.
But the former Manchester United striker prioritised his club form.
He said: "I am disappointed to miss the 2018 All-Star game against Juventus, one of my former clubs.
"I want to thank the fans for voting me to the team. My main focus is to score goals and help the LA Galaxy to the playoffs."
Following MLS rules, he was forced to sit out LA Galaxy's following game against the Colorado Rapids.