Lionel Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba have been hit with one-match bans by Major League Soccer (MLS) for skipping Wednesday’s All-Star Game, a decision that has left the Argentine superstar “extremely upset.”
The suspension means both players will miss Miami’s home league match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
MLS stated the ban is “per league rules,” which dictate that any player missing the All-Star Game without prior approval is ineligible for their club’s next match.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas shared Messi’s frustration, stating, “He’s very upset, extremely upset, as expected.”
Mas added that both Messi and Alba “don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension,” calling the punishment “frankly draconian.”
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged it was a “very difficult decision,” but emphasized the league’s need to enforce its “long-standing policy.”
Messi, 38, has been in stellar form this MLS season with 18 goals in as many appearances, while Alba, 36, has played 19 times. Miami head coach Javier Mascherano had previously indicated Messi was experiencing “normal fatigue” from his heavy game schedule.
