Two Inter Miami stars to miss 2024 MLS All-Star Game
- Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will miss the 2024 MLS All-Star Game
- Both players will be assessed ahead of Miami's Leagues Cup match against Puebla
- Suarez is dealing with "knee discomfort"
By Max Mallow
Inter Miami announced that both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will miss the 2024 MLS All-Star Game through injury, the club said Monday.
Messi notably suffered an ankle ligament injury in the Copa America 2024 final while Suarez is dealing with what the club called "knee discomfort." The Uruguayan striker appeared in Inter Miami's matches against Chicago Fire and Toronto FC. "And their availability for Saturday's Leagues Cup match will be assess based on their daily recovery process," Miami said.
Messi is considered week-to-week during his recovery, but the player has been seen wearing a walking boot.
"After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle. The captain's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery," the team's communications department said in an update on July 16. There is still no timetable for his return.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will miss the MLS All-Star Game
LA Galaxy's Gabriel Pec and FC Dallas' Petar Musa were added to the All-Star roster on July 21. They join Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna and Colorado Rapids' Moise Bombito who were added two days prior.
The MLS All-Stars will play Liga MX All-Stars on July 24 at Lower.com Field, home of reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew. This is the third MLS team to feature an inter-league squad and serve as a friendly precursor for Leagues Cup. FC Cincinnati's Luciano Acosta, the 2023 MLS MVP, was named captain of the team for the second consecutive year. Acosta previously captained the side against Arsenal.
Inter Miami begins its Leagues Cup defense on Saturday against Liga MX's Puebla. Losing both Messi and Suarez will be big blows, but the team performed well in MLS with the two competing in Copa America.
The Herons defeated Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Nashville SC and Charlotte FC without the duo. The team's only loss came in a 6-1 blowout to FC Cincinnati.