This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Confirm Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba Ban Decision After All-Star Snub. Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been handed one-match suspensions after their absence from Wednesday night's All-Star game.

The best of the best from MLS and Liga MX share the pitch on Wednesday, July 23 when the MLS All-Star Game takes place.

The annual MLS All-Star Game is here, and they will take on the Liga MX All-Stars for the fourth time. Last year, the Liga MX All-Stars had their first win after defeating the MLS All-Stars 4-1 in Columbus,

With the one-game suspension after missing the MLS All-Stars game, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas put Lionel Messi's contract renewal in doubt. Lionel Messi has found himself at the center of controversy following a suspension handed down for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.

Before the MLS All-Stars took the main stage on Wednesday night, the heart of All-Star Week unfolded on a sunny Austin morning at the Special Olympics Unified Sports MLS All-Star Game, featuring two players from Utah’s own Real Salt Lake Unified team.

It’s a rare all-star game that reflects a league’s evolution, but that’s what this year’s MLS showcase offers. On July 23 at 9 p.m. ET, two dozen MLS players will step onto the field at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, and offer a snapshot of the league’s progress.

Sam Surridge heads in a goal to give the MLS All-Stars a 1-0 lead over the Liga MX All-Stars.

The public transit agency had to use buses to shuttle riders to rail platforms – a process CapMetro calls "bus bridges." The agency said commuters were generally delayed 15 to 20 minutes, and it ensured extra buses were available to address any overcrowding.