Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not be available for Inter Miami when they face Eastern Conference-leading Cincinnati FC on Saturday, disappointing team owner Jorge Mas. Mas criticized Major League Soccer (MLS) for suspending the two players for missing the All-Star Game, describing the decision as a “draconian” punishment. The suspension affects their participation in the crucial match, sparking debates about the league’s rules and their impact on players’ commitments.
Messi and Alba chose to miss the MLS All-Star game in Austin, Texas, despite receiving enough votes, highlighting their priorities. The league’s decision to suspend them immediately after the game has drawn criticism, with Mas arguing that the timing of the suspension is inappropriate, particularly given the intensity of the upcoming match. The MLS Commissioner, Don Garber, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the need to uphold the league’s long-standing policy on All-Star Game participation.
Airports and logistics companies are not directly affected by this incident, but the controversy could influence the league’s approach to player management. The suspension of Messi and Alba has also raised questions about the balance between enforcing rules and accommodating players’ personal and team-related commitments. As the MLS prepares for its next season, the incident underscores the need for a more flexible approach to player participation in such events, ensuring that athletes’ contributions to their clubs are not unfairly penalized.