Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed his discontent with the MLS’s decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati. The reason was the lack of participation of both players in the All-Star Game.
According to league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior league approval cannot play in their club’s next match, which forced Alba and Messi to be absent.
“I have an opinion about what happened, but I didn’t come to criticize MLS or change the rule. We didn’t adapt to what happened, beyond the fact that I don’t agree with the decision, I don’t agree at all, but well, we adapt,” Mascherano declared.
Javier Mascherano
Mascherano questioned whether the same sanction would have been applied if the match had been away.
“Now I have a question: What would have happened if today’s match was away? Did that also prevent Leo from playing? Because to fill stadiums and make money, nobody complains, right? The thing is, this match was at home. I leave that to you”.
Javier MascheranoBefore the All-Star Game, MLS commissioner Don Garber acknowledged that Inter Miami was suffering the consequences of a congested schedule that saw them play four matches in the FIFA Club World Cup. In addition, Alba suffered an injury after the match against the New York Red Bulls on July 19. Despite this, the league decided to maintain the rule.
Mascherano also commented on the apparent inconsistency in the league’s decisions.
“What seems strange to me is that one day they say one thing and the next day they make a completely different decision. Because we all heard what was said, which was understandable, given the number of games he had been playing. We did not ask that it be handled differently”.
Javier MascheranoLionel Messi fue forzado a ver el partido del sábado desde las gradas.Mascherano’s comments add to those of Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, who on Friday called the decision “draconian” and stated that Messi was “extremely upset.”
Despite the absences, Inter Miami achieved a 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The team also presented their new signing, Rodrigo De Paul, before the start of the match, welcoming the world champion and Messi’s teammate in Argentina.
“The signing of Rodrigo de Paul is clearly another historic signing, a new historic signing for this club. He is a world champion, at his current age, 31 years old, in his prime,” said Mascherano.
Javier Mascherano
Mascherano continued talking about the club’s ambition.
“I think he’s talking about the ambition of this club, to keep growing as a club, to aspire to keep adding value to this league, even though it is often mistreated. Well, the club keeps investing, keeps trying to improve the value of the team and, above all, I hope it helps us as we believe it will. We wish them the best in this new stage”.
Javier Mascherano
Inter Miami will prepare to debut in the 2025 edition of the Leagues Cup on July 30 against the Liga MX team, Atlas.
