The international break is over and the stars are back with their clubs, much to the fan excitement. However, tonight is the time to unite the best of the MLS, as its All-Star team takes on Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars. With the match promising to attract eyeballs, the MLS will be without two of their most popular stars who dominated the league, last year. While Lionel Messi is out after failing to recover from his ankle ligament injury, why is another Inter Miami star Luis Suarez taken out of the game? Let’s take a look.

According to the latest reports, the Uruguayan will miss the game due to discomfort in his knee. Suarez is already in the latter stages of his career and has been struggling with his knee issues.

The club mentioned a statement, “Leo Messi will miss the All-Star Game due to an ankle injury,” pointing out Messi’s injury he faced against Columbia. It continued, “While Luis Suarez, who recently returned from international duty after over 40 days away from the club, will miss the All-Star Game due to knee discomfort.” stating the reason. Nevertheless, there’s more to the story.

Continuous soccer games have been taking a toll on the 37-year-old. Suarez has already been suffering from arthritis, since last year, and has taken medicines to counter the severe pain associated with it. While he pondered upon retirement, his aim to reunite with Messi brought him to the MLS.

In addition, while Argentina reached the final of Copa America, Uruguay’s experience in the tournament was no less challenging. Playing a similar number of matches for the third spot might be a factor for this vacation.

On the match front, although it may miss the two icons, there is a lot to expect from what could be a highly physical battle. While the MLS XI boasts a good mix of young and experienced players, the Liga MX team is nothing short of power and finesse with players like André-Pierre Gignac and Alvaro Fidalgo. Nevertheless, despite the snub, fans will be waiting for the return of their two favorite stars.

The expected return date for Luis Suarez

While Messi is ruled out from soccer indefinitely, there is optimism about the former Liverpool star’s return. The Herons’ statement already indicated that Luis Suarez’s fitness would be evaluated for the Leagues Cup match this Saturday.

After a game’s break, Suarez returned to the pitch against the Chicago Fire on Sunday and played the whole 90 minutes creating two big chances. Hence, the player’s condition doesn’t seem as bad and he is anticipated to return for the game against Club Puebla. Regardless, the star is on vacation with his family, taking some time off the pitch. However, his task will be cut out once he returns from the break as Inter Miami aims to win its maiden MLS title.

Whether the two former Barcelona superstars come back fully fit and help the club fulfill its ambition remains a mystery.