Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano took issue with Major League Soccer's decision to suspend both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday's match against FC Cincinnati after the pair sat out the MLS All-Star Game without getting prior approval to do so.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping its All-Star Game, the league announced Friday.

The reason why Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba have been suspended for their club’s next MLS fixture has been revealed. The pair will be suspended for their next game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday after missing Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game against Mexico’s Liga MX without approval from the league.