Jorge Mas Criticizes MLS Suspension of Messi and Alba: A Draconian Decision
In a recent turn of events, Jorge Mas, the owner of Inter Miami, has publicly condemned Major League Soccer’s (MLS) decision to suspend superstar Lionel Messi and defender Jordi Alba for one match. The suspension will prevent both players from participating in Inter Miami’s upcoming game against Cincinnati FC, the current leaders of the Eastern Conference.
The controversy arose when Messi and Alba opted not to attend the MLS All-Star game held in Austin, Texas, despite having received sufficient votes to participate. The All-Stars from Major League Soccer triumphed over their Liga MX counterparts, winning the match 3-1.
Mas expressed his frustration over the league’s ruling, labeling it a "draconian" measure. “They don’t understand the decision,” he stated on Friday. “They don’t grasp how skipping an exhibition match could lead to such a harsh punishment.”
Messi, the captain of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team, cited the importance of rest as his reason for missing the All-Star game. Alba, on the other hand, was managing a previous injury. Mas clarified that the decision for both players to forgo the exhibition match was made by the club.
According to MLS regulations, any player who fails to participate in the All-Star Game without prior league approval is deemed ineligible for their team’s next match. This policy has now placed Messi and Alba on the sidelines for a critical game.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged Messi’s significance to the league, stating, "I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s a player—or anyone—who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. I completely understand and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.” However, Garber also emphasized the necessity of enforcing the existing policy, noting, “It was a very difficult decision.”
In response to the backlash, Garber mentioned that the league plans to review this policy and collaborate with players to determine how it should evolve in the future.
Mas reiterated Inter Miami’s stance against the suspension and questioned the fairness of the rule, particularly with six MLS games scheduled for Friday night, less than 48 hours after the All-Star Game. “That’s not right,” Mas asserted. “That’s not right to the players.”
As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how MLS addresses this contentious policy.
Stay updated with the latest sports news by following Fox News Digital on X and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
