Lionel Messi ruled out of MLS All-Star Game due to horror Copa America injury - with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez also unavailable

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is currently sporting a protective cast on his right ankle after picking up an unfortunate knock in the Copa America final. The Argentina international was forced out of that showpiece event in tears before eventually getting his hands on trophy No.45 in a remarkable career.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

Confirmation of the rosters for the MLS All-Star Game see Messi left off the list. His Herons colleague Suarez, who has also been on Copa duty with Uruguay but figured for Inter Miami in their 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire, is said to be nursing “knee discomfort” – which has been an issue for some time.

Messi had been in line to make his first appearance in the All-Star event, which pits the best players from 18 MLS sides against the cream of the crop from Mexico’s Liga MX. He has been in fine form for Inter Miami when fit this season, registering 12 goals and 13 assists to become the quickest player to 25 goal contributions in a single MLS campaign.

Real Salt Lake striker Cristian Arango – who is leading the MLS Golden Boot race this season with 17 goals – is another who will miss the All-Star Game as he serves a suspension. Said contest is due to take place at Lower.com Field in Ohio on Wednesday.