Inter Miami Stars Messi and Alba Suspended Over All-Star Snub, Club Slams Harsh MLS Rule

Inter Miami’s two stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were already at risk of facing a ban. In the end, they could not avoid it. Messi and Alba withdrew their names before the American Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s Liga MX All-Star games. Miami owner Jorge Mas reacted angrily, criticizing the ban rules.

Last Thursday, the two All-Star XIs of the United States and Mexico Leagues faced each other. According to MLS rules, if a player initially named does not play in the All-Star game despite not being injured, he will be suspended for one match in the league. Under that rule, Messi and Alba will be out of Miami’s upcoming match. Tomorrow, the Florida club will host FC Cincinnati at home.

Miami owner Jorge Mas said about the suspension of their two best stars, “They (Messi and Alba) do not understand this decision. Such a decision is very harsh. Messi is very upset, so to speak, everyone in the club feels the same. But I think everyone in the club needs to be together and make their attitude clear to the world. Naturally, neither of them reacted positively to the suspension.”

Messi and Alba have played seven consecutive matches since the FIFA Club World Cup. As a result, there has been a lot of discussion about their rest recently. Considering these issues, Miami decided not to play them in the All-Star game. The club’s owner said, “Messi and Alba did what the club wanted. We have full support for them. However, it is true that they cannot accept being banned from league play for an exhibition match.”

In this regard, MLS Commissioner Don Gerber said, “I know how much Lionel Messi loves this league. I also don’t think anyone has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. I understand his respect, his commitment to Inter Miami, and at the same time I respect his decision. Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy for playing the All-Star Game and, although it was difficult, we had to implement that decision.”

Messi, however, practiced with the team for the upcoming match before receiving the ban. After this, the Florida club received unwanted news. Disagreeing with the ban rule, George Maas said, “There are six MLS games less than 48 hours apart from the All-Star Game. This is not right. It is not fair to the players.