The biggest star in MLS will not participate in the league’s All-Star Game, with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi bowing out of Wednesday’s contest at Columbus, Ohio, with an ankle injury.

Also ruled out of Wednesday’s contest is Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez, who is dealing with knee discomfort.

Messi and Suarez are tied for the Inter Miami lead with 12 goals each. Messi also has 13 assists, tied for second best in MLS.

Both players were injured in the just-completed Copa America tournament, with Messi leaving the final, won by his Argentina side. Suarez’s injury was aggravated during Uruguay’s third-place game.

As of now, Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are expected to play Wednesday.

The club said that the status of both Messi and Suarez remains up in the air for a Leagues Cup match Saturday against Mexico’s Puebla. Messi led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title upon his arrival to MLS last season.

At the extended All-Star Game and Leagues Cup break, Inter Miami is atop the Supporters’ Shield standings at 16-4-5 (52 points).

–Field Level Media