Lionel Messi won't play in the MLS All-Star Game, the league announced before the July 23 exhibition against LIGA MX standouts.

AUSTIN, Texas — Lionel Messi will miss the Major League Soccer All-Star Game against Liga MX on Wednesday night. An MLS spokesperson said Inter Miami informed league officials that the two players will not appear in the match at Q2 Stadium.

Messi's potential absence could lead to him receiving a one-game suspension for Inter Miami in accordance with MLS rules. A similar situation arose for Zlatan Ibrahimovic back in 2018, during his time at LA Galaxy. The Swedish star prioritised club matches over that year's MLS All-Stars game and had to serve a ban in their next league clash.

Chicago Sky superstar Angel Reese made more WNBA history during her team's 91-68 blowout loss to the Minnesota Lynx on July 22. In scoring 11 points and grabbin

Despite the Sky's loss, Angel Reese had a big night — and might have to prepare herself for suspension if she receives one more technical foul.

Complicating the matter of Reese's availability has been a tendency to pick up technical fouls this season. In the WNBA, a player receives an automatic suspension upon receiving their eighth technical foul of the year, and Reese is dangerously close to receiving that punishment.