The biggest star in MLS will not participate in the league's All-Star Game, with Inter Miami's Lionel Messi bowing out of the Columbus, Ohio contest with an ankle injury.
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Also ruled out of Wednesday's contest against a squad from Mexico's Liga MX is Inter Miami team-mate Luis Suarez, who is struggling with knee discomfort.
Messi and Suarez are tied for the Inter Miami lead with 12 goals each with the former also on 13 assists, tied for second best in MLS.
Both players were injured in the recent Copa America tournament, with eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi limping off in the the final won by his Argentina side. Suarez's injury was aggravated during Uruguay's third-place match.
As of now, Inter Miami's Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are expected to play in the match on Wednesday with the status of 37-year-olds Messi and Suarez up in the air for a Leagues Cup match on Saturday against Mexico's Puebla.
Australian Associated Press
