Major League Soccer has handed Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba single-match bans following their absence from Wednesday's All-Star Game, rendering both players unavailable for Inter Miami's fixture against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
The Argentine superstar is "extremely upset" about the sanction, according to Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, who disclosed the player's reaction during a Friday press conference.
League regulations stipulate that any player failing to attend the All-Star Game without advance authorisation cannot participate in their club's subsequent match.
The pair had been selected to represent the MLS All-Stars against Liga MX but withdrew on Wednesday morning without publicly disclosed reasons.
Reuters
|Lionel Messi is 'extremely upset' after being handed a ban from the MLS
Mas launched a scathing attack on the league's decision, branding the punishment "draconian" and revealing that Inter Miami, rather than the players themselves, had made the choice to skip the exhibition match.
"The reaction was exactly as expected out 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," Mas stated.
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The club communicated with MLS officials on Monday and Tuesday regarding the players' non-attendance, citing health and wellness concerns after the duo had competed in nine matches over 36 days.
Miami's packed schedule has included Concacaf Champions League fixtures, regular season matches and FIFA Club World Cup participation.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the complexity of the situation, describing the enforcement of the suspension as a "very difficult decision" whilst recognising Messi's immense contributions to the league.
"I don't think there's a player - or anyone - who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi," Garber stated, expressing understanding for the player's commitment to his club.
Despite the league's stance, Garber indicated flexibility for the future, pledging to examine the existing regulations.
"We're going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward," he confirmed, adding his commitment to collaborating with players on potential rule modifications.
READ MORE: MLS suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba after breaking little-known rule
Reuters
|Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were handed one-match bans from the MLS
The suspension's timing proves particularly concerning for Inter Miami's contract negotiations with Messi, whose current deal concludes after the 2025 season.
"Will it have an impact initially, in the players' perception of how the league rules work? Absolutely no doubt," Mas warned when questioned about potential effects on extension discussions.
The 38-year-old Argentine has endured a punishing schedule, featuring in nine contests within 35 days and completing full matches in each, including four FIFA Club World Cup encounters.
Mas indicated the club would make identical decisions under similar circumstances next year, declaring the current scheduling demands "untenable" for player welfare.
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