The atmosphere at Inter Miami has turned tense and defiant after Major League Soccer handed down a controversial one-game suspension to both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for missing the league’s All-Star Game.
The move has not only sidelined the team’s biggest names for a crucial Eastern Conference matchup against FC Cincinnati, but it has also drawn a sharp rebuke from the club’s top brass-fueling a sense of injustice inside the Miami camp.
Club co-owner Jorge Mas did not hold back at a Friday press conference, describing the league’s actions as “draconian” and revealing that Messi in particular is “extremely upset” by the punishment.
“Lionel Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club, with the fact that they won’t be able to play tomorrow night. But I think what we have to do as a club is to get together as one, have an attitude that is us against the world,” Mas said.
The suspension was triggered by an MLS rule that any player missing the All-Star Game without prior league approval cannot play in the next club fixture.
Both Messi and Alba were deemed ineligible for Saturday’s high-stakes clash, a move that has left the players frustrated and the organization openly questioning the league’s approach.
Mas was quick to clarify that the decision for Messi and Alba to skip the exhibition came from the club, not the players.
He argued that after a brutal run of nine matches in just 36 days, including appearances in the MLS regular season, Concacaf Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and with Leagues Cup fixtures looming, Inter Miami felt obligated to prioritize the health and well-being of their stars.
“The decision for them to sit out this week was made by the club. I think that is an important point. I want to assure everyone that Lionel and Jordi have acted in a way commeasured with what the club would want,” Mas said.
Mas added that the club communicated their intentions to MLS well in advance but were told the rule would be strictly enforced regardless.
“They want to compete, they want to play games,” Mas said. “That’s what they’re here for, to play and win. They understand the magnitude of tomorrow’s night’s game.
“So no, their reaction was exactly as expected of two competitive players who don’t understand the decision, who don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.”
Ongoing frustration and questions about the future
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, with Messi’s contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 season and negotiations for a new deal underway.
Mas admitted the episode could have an impact on the star’s perception of the league: “I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long term. Will it have an impact initially in the player’s perception of how the league rules work, etc.? Absolutely, no doubt.”
MLS commissioner Don Garber has acknowledged the outcry, indicating the policy may be reviewed. “I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve,” Garber said.
For now, Inter Miami is left to regroup without its marquee names, their frustration adding another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic MLS season.
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