**MLS Suspension of Messi and Alba Sparks Controversy**
Meta Description: Inter Miami’s owner criticizes MLS for suspending Messi and Alba for missing the All-Star game, calling the decision “draconian.”
URL Slug: mls-suspension-messi-alba-controversy
**Inter Miami Owner Critiques MLS Suspension of Messi and Alba**
Jorge Mas, the owner of Inter Miami, has publicly condemned Major League Soccer’s (MLS) decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for one match. The suspension will prevent both players from participating in Inter Miami’s upcoming game against Cincinnati FC, the leaders of the Eastern Conference, scheduled for Saturday.
Messi and Alba opted out of Wednesday’s MLS All-Star game in Austin, Texas, despite receiving sufficient votes to participate. The All-Stars from MLS triumphed over Liga MX All-Stars with a score of 3-1.
Mas described the league’s ruling as a “draconian” measure, stating, “They don’t understand the decision. They don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.”
Messi, who captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, cited the need for rest as his reason for skipping the All-Star game, while Alba was managing a prior injury. Mas clarified that the decision for both players to miss the exhibition was made by the club.
According to MLS regulations, players who do not participate in the All-Star game without prior league approval are deemed ineligible for their club’s next match. Despite practicing with the team on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s game, the suspension was announced shortly thereafter.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged Messi’s significant contributions to the league, stating, “I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s a player — or anyone — who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi.” He emphasized the necessity of enforcing the league’s longstanding policy regarding All-Star participation, calling it a “very difficult decision.”
Garber also mentioned that the league plans to reassess the policy and collaborate with players to determine its future direction. Mas expressed Inter Miami’s disagreement with both the suspension and the underlying rule, highlighting the fact that six MLS games were scheduled for Friday night, less than 48 hours after the All-Star event. “That’s not right,” he asserted. “That’s not right to the players.”
In conclusion, the suspension of Messi and Alba has ignited a debate about the fairness of MLS policies and their impact on player participation. As the league considers potential changes, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing player welfare with league regulations.
**FAQ**
**Why were Messi and Alba suspended from the next match?**
Messi and Alba were suspended for one match due to their absence from the MLS All-Star game without prior approval, violating league rules.
