Ronaldo won’t play against MLS all-stars

ATLANTA — The MLS all-star game will feature one of the world’s most storied clubs.

Unfortunately for the more than 70,000 fans expected at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo is not along for the ride.

After Portugal’s elimination from the World Cup and his transfer from Real Madrid, the five-time FIFA Player of the Year took time off rather than accompany Juventus on its American preseason tour, which includes Wednesday night’s game against top players from MLS.

The decision will surely be a disappointment to the big crowd that had hoped Ronaldo would make his unofficial debut with Italy’s reigning Serie A champions while touring the U.S.

Juventus acquired the 33-year-old from Real Madrid on July 10 in a deal the Serie A champion said was worth $131.5 million US — the largest for a player older than 30.

Also sitting out the U.S. tour, which includes three other exhibitions, is Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain. He is coming off a scoreless World Cup.

“Obviously these guys are world-class players,” said Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan, a goalkeeper for the MLS team. “With or without them, it will be a difficult game. But their names alone bring a lot of attention. It’s a shame for everybody.”

Juventus opens its Serie A schedule on Aug. 18.

Ronaldo and Higuain won’t be the only big names missing.

One of MLS’ top new stars, L.A. Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, announced Monday that he’s skipping the all-star match rather than make a crosscountry trip to Atlanta. The 36-year-old Swede cited the grind of playing three matches in an eight-day span, including Sunday night’s 4-3 victory over Orlando City in which he scored his first MLS hat trick.