Soccer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The owner of Inter Miami called Major League Soccer's suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for skipping the All-Star Game a “draconian” punishment.

The global soccer players’ union hit back at FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino on Friday, saying their autocratic style of leadership was harming the rights of its members.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan on Friday urged global social media companies to take action to block hundreds of accounts allegedly run by outlawed militant groups that Islamabad claims spread propaganda and glorify insurgents in the South Asian country.

VANCOUVER — Another major injury is forcing the Vancouver Whitecaps to once again rotate their lineup as the club tries to climb back atop the standings.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping its All-Star Game, the league announced Friday.

TORONTO — Last-place Toronto FC will be without defenders Zane Monlouis, Henry Wingo and Nicksoen Gomis for the rest of the season. Monlouis had surgery earlier this month to repair hip and thigh injuries suffered June 25 against the Red Bulls.

The Copa América Femenina has gotten off to a rough start. Players complained about the training conditions for group-stage matches in the tournament in Ecuador and the lack of VAR, as well as near-empty stadiums for many games.

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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona will play a preseason game in Japan that it had previously said was canceled after resolving a contractual dispute with the promoter, the Spanish champion said Friday.

Minnesota United FC (11-5-8, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Saint Louis City SC (4-13-6, 15th in the Western Conference) Old North Saint Louis, St. Louis; Saturday, 8:30 p.m.