Lionel Messi’s absence from the MLS All-Star Game raised questions about his health, but Inter Miami FC coach Javier Mascherano has put those concerns to rest. Messi was selected for the game but didn’t travel and missed the event along with Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano addressed the controversial suspensions handed to Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for missing the MLS All-Star Game. While both players were left out of the showcase due to fatigue and fixture congestion,

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has hit out at the MLS for their decision to suspend Lionel Messi following his no-show at the All-Star game last week.

Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano confirmed that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba did not yet receive sanctions for missing the MLS All-Star Game.

Inter Miami will have a week off until their next MLS game, which is on July 26 at Chase Stadium. The Herons are still in the battle for the top positions in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield table.

Lionel Messi’s name is on the MLS All-Star roster, but questions remain as to whether the Inter Miami star will take the field in Austin. His absence from training and the Skills Challenge has raised eyebrows ahead of the clash against Liga MX.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano criticized MLS' decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday's 0-0 draw at home against FC Cincinnati for failing to participate in the All-Star Game, questioning whether the same ruling would have been made if Miami had instead been playing a road game.

Inter Miami will be without Lionel Messi against FC Cincinnati as the two Eastern Conference rivals go head-to-head.

Mascherano most recently was Argentina's under-20 team and Olympic coach; the national team let him out of the last two years of his contract to come to Inter Miami — where he has a three-year deal.

Lionel Messi is “from another planet”, says Javier Mascherano, with the Barcelona and Argentina superstar able to make football look easy with his otherworldly talent.