Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas didn’t hold back Friday when Major League Soccer handed one-match suspensions to Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for skipping the All-Star Game. Mas called the ruling “draconian” and questioned why resting key players at an exhibition event would trigger an automatic ban.
Messi and Alba were voted into the All-Star squad but sat out the showcase match against Mexico’s Liga MX side. The club decided to rest Messi amid a packed global calendar, while Alba cited a lingering injury. Under MLS rules, any player who misses the All-Star Game without prior league approval is ineligible for their club’s next fixture—a rule that saw both stars miss Inter Miami’s home clash with Cincinnati, which ended 0-0.
Mas pointed out that six MLS matches were scheduled just 48 hours after the All-Star event, leaving little room for player recovery. “That’s not right to the players,” he said, urging MLS to reconsider a policy that strains athletes juggling international and domestic commitments.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber defended the enforcement as a “very difficult decision,” praising Messi’s impact on the league: “I fully respect and admire his commitment to Inter Miami.” Garber added that MLS plans to review the All-Star participation rule and collaborate with players on its future direction.
The episode underscores the growing tension between league regulations and player welfare as soccer’s top talents navigate congested schedules. With fans and clubs watching closely, MLS faces pressure to balance tradition with flexibility for its global stars.
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Inter Miami owner calls MLS suspensions of Messi and Alba "draconian"
cgtn.com
