"Banned" Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba watch on as Inter Miami drop points against Cincinnati FC

Lionel Messi was forced to to miss the high-stakes clash against Cincinnati FC. Image credits - FMT, License Details)

Lionel Messi and his teammate Jordi Alba watched on from the sidelines as Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by Cincinnati during yesterday's match in Major League Soccer.

The former Barcelona duo were forced to sit out after being handed a one-match ban by the MLS while their team struggled to find momentum in their absence.

Yesterday also marked the arrival of Lionel Messi's national team teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, for a €15 million move from Atletico Madrid, who also sat alongside the suspended duo to witness his new club drop points against Cincinnati FC.

Miami appeared to be far from their best, being without their captain fantastic and their anchor left-back, struggling to burst into the opposition's half and create goal-scoring chances. The struggling Inter Miami managed to create only 2 big chances and record just 3 shots on target.

Why were Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba handed a one-match ban by Major League Soccer?

The iconic duo was handed a one-game ban by the MLS authorities for missing the MLS All-Star game against Mexico's Liga MX, which is considered to be an important game for promoting the league and attracting more viewership.

The former FC Barcelona duo opted out from the featured exhibition match due to fatigue, while Alba had also been recovering from a knock he suffered in their last MLS game.

Understandably, Messi's and Alba's involvement, who are two of the biggest names to currently play in the MLS, would have attracted much more viewership than what the All-Star game actually witnessed.

As a result, the American federation decided to suspend both for not seeking their approval before deciding to opt out of the highly anticipated fixture, where tickets almost got sold out because the fans were excited to witness the little magician play.

MLS commissioner Don Garber claimed that as per league rules, a player who does not participate in the MLS All-Star game becomes ineligible to participate in the following MLS fixture.

He further added and emphasisedLionel Messi's brand importance that has taken Major League Soccer to greater heights, stating, "I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s a player—or anyone—who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi.” (sic)

He further added that, “I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision. Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.” (sic)

Lionel Messi back to Barcelona?

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that the club has made contact with Lionel Messi's family to invite them to return to the new Camp Nou for its reopening ceremony.

There is no fate fixed as of yet as to when the Blaugrana will be back in their iconic home, with the renovation still ongoing. The La Liga champions had initially planned on returning during the Joan Gamper trophy, but now it is set to be held in Montjuic, delaying the homecoming.

Lionel Messi to return at the new Spotify Camp Nou. Image credits - FMT, License Details)

As per reports, the Camp Nou might be sanctioned for a reopening next summer at the earliest, where Lionel Messi could return to honour his 17-year-old love story with the club.

Speaking on this matter to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta said, “We have always said that inaugurating the new Spotify Camp Nou with a tribute to Leo Messi would be ideal.” (sic)

He further added that, “I believe the message has reached his family, and there have already been conversations. We would be delighted. It depends on Leo and his family. I hope it happens. It would be very special.” (sic)