Inter Miami have responded harshly to the controversial suspension of their players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
The Herons players were suspended for one match for not playing in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
What did Inter Miami’s Jorge Mas say about the suspension?
“
Lionel Messi is very upset, as we all are at the club, with the fact that they will not be able to play tomorrow (July 26, 2025) night. But I think what we have to do as a club is come together as one, have an attitude that it’s us against the world. I think the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian. I wanted to express today our full support for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, as the decision for them to be absent this week was made by the club. I think it’s an important point. I want to assure everyone that Lionel and Jordi have acted in a manner consistent with what the club would wish. It’s unsustainable. For example, if we face this situation next year, where we have an away game on Saturday, the All-Star Game is a Tuesday or Wednesday, and we have a game on Saturday, an important game, we’ll be in the same boat, in the same situation,” Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas.
What do Major League Soccer rules say about this?
MLS rules state that any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their team’s next match.
What match are Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba ineligible for?
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are not eligible for Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati.
Whose decision was it not to play in the MLS All-Star Game?
The decision for Lionel Messi and Jordi Albanot to play in the MLS All-Star Game was made by Inter Miami, who decided that they should miss the event, as the team prioritized the health and well-being of both players over the league event due to the current congested schedule
Inter Miami informed MLS on Monday and Tuesday of this week that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba would not attend the All-Star Game after playing nine games in the last 36 days.
What is Major League Soccer’s position on this?
MLS commissioner Don Garber said the league “will take a close look at the policy in the future. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve.”
Read the full article here
