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Key Points

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has exposed the dramatic tension between Messi and MLS over a controversial one-game suspension. The punishment stems from Messi's absence from the All-Star game, which the club argues is unfair given the players' intense recent schedule. Messi and Jordi Alba will miss a crucial match against FC Cincinnati, sitting seven points ahead in the conference standings. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of player management and league regulations in professional soccer.

Key Points: Messi Furious Over MLS All-Star Game Suspension Drama

  • Messi and Alba banned for one game after All-Star game absence
  • Inter Miami faces critical match against FC Cincinnati
  • Club cites player fatigue from intense 36-day schedule
  • MLS rule considered 'draconian' by team management
2 min read

Lionel Messi is very upset with MLS over draconian ban, says Jorge Mas

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas reveals Messi's frustration with MLS ban after missing All-Star game, impacting crucial FC Cincinnati match

Lionel Messi is very upset with MLS over draconian ban, says Jorge Mas
"Lionel Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club - Jorge Mas, Inter Miami Co-Owner"

New Delhi, July 26

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed Lionel Messi is 'very upset' after being given a one-game ban for missing out on the Major league Soccer (MLS) All-Star game, a punishment which he believes is 'draconian.'

Messi and Jordi Alba will miss the game against MLS Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on Sunday (IST) as MLS rules state that any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in his club's next match.

"Lionel Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club, with the fact that they won't be able to play tomorrow night. But I think what we have to do as a club is to get together as one, have an attitude that is us against the world," Mas said at a news conference.

Mas had also confirmed that the decision to rest the two players was made by the club given they had played nine games in a span of just 36 days and the heavily congested schedule with Concacaf Champions League, MLS regular season and FIFA Club World Cup duties having been carried out.

"I think that the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian. Obviously, it was not a positive reaction [from Messi and Alba]. They want to compete, they want to play games. That's what they're here for, to play and win. They understand the magnitude of tomorrow's night's game.

"So no, their reaction was exactly as expected 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," he added.

Inter Miami currently sit at fifth place in the Eastern Conference and are seven points behind leaders Cincinnati, making it a very high stakes clash when the two teams meet on Sunday (IST).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya M
As a football fan from Mumbai, I think MLS is being too rigid. Exhibition matches shouldn't carry such harsh penalties. In IPL, players get rotated all the time for workload management. American sports need to learn from Indian leagues!
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Amit S
While I support Messi, rules are rules no? If he agreed to play in MLS, he should follow their regulations. In India we say "jo karega so bharega" (you reap what you sow). Maybe next time he'll think twice before skipping commitments.
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Sarah B
As an American living in Delhi, I can see both sides. MLS wants to promote their All-Star game, but player health must come first. 9 games in 36 days is insane! Hope they find a middle ground like the NBA does with their star players.
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Nikhil R
Messi should just focus on winning matches rather than complaining. At 36, he should know better. Indian players like Sunil Chhetri never make excuses and always put country/club first. That's real professionalism! 🇮🇳
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Kavya P
The real issue is the crazy football schedule these days. Whether it's Messi in MLS or our ISL players - too many matches lead to injuries. FIFA needs to fix this worldwide, not just for superstars but all footballers.

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