Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba look likely to be available for Inter Miami CF's clash with FC Cincinnati on Saturday, despite skipping the MLS All-Star Game, which according to league rules is supposed to amount to a one-game suspension.

While soccer fans around the world were hoping to see Lionel Messi in action for the MLS All-Stars, it seems like the Inter Miami skipper had different plans. According to MLS officials, Messi has confirmed his absence from the game,

The Lionel Messi chapter in the MLS seems to have a sub-plot twist that we never saw coming. What looked like a soccer fairytale being woven even just a week ago now seems to be a relationship that is cracking.