Luis Suárez has been suspended for Saturday's playoff match against Nashville SC by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for an incident in Game 2 of Inter Miami's first-round series.
The suspension is due to an off-ball incident in the 71st minute, in which Suárez kicked out at Nashville defender Andy Najar.
What happened?
Inter Miami appealed the decision, but it was upheld, meaning Suárez will miss the decisive Game 3 at Chase Stadium.
The incident occurred when Suárez kicked out at Andy Najar, with no foul called or card issued on the play.
Why it matters for Luis Suárez
This marks the second suspension for Suárez in recent months, following a ban for spitting on Seattle Sounders security director Gene Ramirez.
Suárez was previously banned for six Leagues Cup matches and then an additional three MLS matches.
What comes next?
Without Suárez, Mascherano can put Messi in a false nine role, as seen when Suárez was suspended in September.
Miami also has a natural center forward in Ecuador youth international Allen Obando, but he just returned from injury.
Obando was an unused sub in the last match and has failed to make an impact this season, playing just 154 minutes.
Suárez has played every minute for Miami down the stretch, scoring 14 goals and 15 assists across all competitions this year.
The 38-year-old's suspension will be a significant blow to Inter Miami's hopes of avoiding a first-round exit for the second year running.
As per MLS rules and regulations, the Disciplinary Committee can step in and fine or suspend players after the match in numerous situations.
This incident falls into the category where the referee sees an incident and does not issue a card, but the Disciplinary Committee deems it was a clear and obvious red card.
Miami and Nashville split the first two games, with the loser to be eliminated.
The decisive Game 3 will be played at Chase Stadium, with Inter Miami hoping to avoid a first-round exit.