Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has described Lionel Messi as “extremely upset” after being issued a one-game suspension by Major League Soccer (MLS) for not participating in the recent All-Star Game. The punishment was deemed “draconian” by Mas, who stated that the team had to prioritize the health and wellness of both players over the league’s event due to schedule congestion.
The suspension applies to Messi and Jordi Alba, who also missed the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league. According to MLS rules, any player who does not participate in the event without permission is ineligible to compete in their next match.
Mas emphasized that the decision to have the players sit out was made by the club, citing the need to balance competition with health and wellness concerns. He reassured fans that the players’ actions were “commensurate” with what the club would want.
The MLS commissioner, Don Garber, has announced that the league will “take a hard look” at the policy moving forward, suggesting changes may be made in the future. With Messi’s contract set to expire after the 2025 campaign, negotiations for a new deal are ongoing, and Mas expressed hope that the suspension would not have an impact on his perception of the league.
Despite initial concerns, Mas believes the decision will ultimately benefit Messi and Inter Miami in the long run. The team is committed to working with players to determine how the rule should evolve, ensuring a more player-friendly policy moving forward.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45823923/inter-miami-lionel-messi-mls-suspension-all-star-game-upset