The reason why Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba have been suspended for their club’s next MLS fixture has been revealed. The pair will be suspended for their next game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday after missing Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game against Mexico’s Liga MX without approval from the league.

Major League Soccer announced Friday that Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will be suspended for the team’s next match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

The former Barcelona stars have been left bemused over the strange decision, dubbed 'draconian', after they missed Wednesday's MLS All-Star game in Texas on Wednesday.