FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—The owner of Inter Miami described the ban of Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi by Major League Soccer for missing the All-Star Game as a harsh penalty.
Owner Jorge Mas stated on Friday that they don’t comprehend the judgment about the one-game penalties. They don’t comprehend why skipping an exhibition game results in a punishment.
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Despite being elected for the game, Messi and Alba did not play in the MLS vs. Liga MX of Mexico encounter. Due to his hectic schedule and Alba’s prior injury, Messi did not participate to relax. Mas stated that Messi and Alba’s exclusion from the All-Star Game was decided by the club.
Any player who does not play in the All-Star Game without first receiving league consent is not allowed to play in their club’s subsequent game, according to MLS regulations.
The players will not play in Miami’s Saturday home game against FC Cincinnati, the team leading the Eastern Conference. Prior to MLS announcing the suspension, Messi and Alba both worked out with the team on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s encounter.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber stated, “I know Lionel Messi loves this league.” “I don’t believe anyone or any player has contributed more to Major League Soccer than Messi. I respect his decision and completely understand, admire, and respect his dedication to Inter Miami.
Regretfully, we had to implement our long-standing policy on participation in the All-Star Game. It was a really tough choice.
The league will review the regulation and consult with players to “decide how the rule should evolve,” Garber continued.
Mas claimed that Inter Miami had voiced its disapproval of the ruling and the ban. Mas added that less than 48 hours after an All-Star Game, there were six Major League Soccer games on Friday night.
“That’s incorrect,” Mas stated. “The players feel that’s wrong.
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