In less than 24 hours, Inter Miami takes on Nashville FC in the Champions Cup. The recent defeat against CF Montreal was a reality check for Lionel Messi & Co. Hence, the Herons will be focused on putting in a much-improved performance. However, there is something new for them to ponder about. Jordi Alba, who made the fans go ‘wow’ last game, has been hit with a fine!

As per the official MLS website, the veteran full-back has received a fine of an undisclosed amount. Per the MLS Disciplinary Committee, this is for violating the Hands to the Face/Head/Neck of an Opponent Policy, put in place to discourage physical altercation between players. In Alba’s case, this physical contact came during the 31st minute of the CF Montreal match as he approached the opposition’s attacker, Matias Coccaro. What exactly happened?

Per the recorded footage, Alba appeared to move his hand to the back of Coccaro’s neck. Despite minimal contact, Coccaro went down, covering his face with his hands. This was spotted by the referee, and Alba, with a smile on his face questioned the situation. However, that didn’t work as it seems. Regardless, that incident didn’t affect Alba, as he scored a stunning goal reminiscent of Lionel Messi later in the game.

Colorado Rapids’ Darren Yapi was also penalized for the same cause. Furthermore, NYFC star Jovan Mijatovic was fined, as per the Simulation Embellishment Policy. It’s not just individual players as MLS teams like Orlando City and Minnesota United have come under the scanner for violating Mass Confrontation Policy. Two players involved in the heated incident, Ramiro Enrique and Dayne St. Clair, were also penalized, capping off a fine spree from the MLS.

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Fortunately, there’s no suspension involved and Alba will be available for the upcoming CONCACAF match. Relief for Lionel Messi & Co. But what about Messi himself? Is he fit to play? That’s the big question.

Has Lionel Messi recovered from his injury?

In the first-leg encounter against Nashville, Lionel Messi suffered a nasty-looking tackle. Following the match, Tata Martino gave assuring words regarding La Pulga’s fitness as he said, “Leo Messi finished the game well. He had fatigue in the later ones, but everything is fine.” However, in the following match, the soccer icon did not even make the bench, let alone play. Hence, Messi’s availability for the upcoming game was still not known.

But a positive update has emerged. The Inter Miami captain was spotted in team training recently. Furthermore, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, who were among the substitutes last game, also trained. Hence, it seems the trio is nearing full fitness.

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Will Tata Martino risk his superstar trio? The stakes can’t get much higher as a defeat will knock the Herons out of the CONCACAF competition. Can Inter Miami overcome Nashville FC? Tell us below in the comments.

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