Lionel Messi is “from another planet”, says Javier Mascherano, with the Barcelona and Argentina superstar able to make football look easy with his otherworldly talent.

Inter Miami will be without Lionel Messi against FC Cincinnati as the two Eastern Conference rivals go head-to-head.

Lionel Messi’s name is on the MLS All-Star roster, but questions remain as to whether the Inter Miami star will take the field in Austin. His absence from training and the Skills Challenge has raised eyebrows ahead of the clash against Liga MX.

Javier Mascherano has slammed the timing of the MLS All-Star Game as “crazy” with Inter Miami still waiting to hear if Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will be sanctioned for skipping the fixture.

Inter Miami will have a week off until their next MLS game, which is on July 26 at Chase Stadium. The Herons are still in the battle for the top positions in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield table.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has reported that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will join the group training later this week.

Javier Mascherano has rubbished rumours that the Argentina squad had moved to depose coach Jorge Sampaoli from his position ahead of a crucial World Cup match.