Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has sharply criticized Major League Soccer's decision to suspend star players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for skipping the MLS All-Star Game, calling the punishment "draconian." The suspensions came after the global football icons missed the exhibition match against Mexico's Liga MX on July 19, despite being fan-voted participants.
The Controversy
Mas revealed the club made the call for Messi to rest amid a congested schedule and for Alba to recover from an injury. Under MLS rules, players who skip the All-Star Game without league approval face automatic one-match bans. This forced both athletes to sit out Inter Miami's 0-0 draw against Cincinnati on July 23, a result that cost the team its top spot in the Eastern Conference.
League's Stance
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged Messi's transformative impact on the league but emphasized adherence to long-standing policies. "We have to enforce rules consistently," Garber said, while pledging to review the policy with player input. Six MLS matches were scheduled less than 48 hours after the All-Star event, a timing Mas called unfair to athletes.
Broader Implications
The dispute highlights growing tensions between league regulations and player welfare concerns as MLS expands its global footprint. With Asian investors and fans increasingly engaged in North American soccer, decisions affecting high-profile signings like Messi could shape future cross-border sports partnerships.
