MLS Sanctions Messi and Alba for Absence from All-Star Game
Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced the suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, players of Inter Miami, due to their absence from the recent All-Star Game against a combined team from Liga MX. Both soccer players, officially summoned for the event, withdrew hours before the commitment without presenting a prior medical justification, which led to the application of sanctions according to the league regulations. As a result, Messi and Alba will not be able to participate in Inter Miami’s next match against FC Cincinnati this Saturday.Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas expressed his disagreement with the measure and revealed that Messi is upset with the suspension. Mas requested a review of the current policy.We have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it.
Don Garber, MLS Commissioner
MLS commissioner Don Garber acknowledged that Inter Miami’s schedule has been particularly demanding, with Messi participating in nine matches in just 35 days, including the FIFA Club World Cup.The rule needs to be modified. Lionel and Jordi acted according to the needs of the team.
Jorge Mas, Co-owner of Inter Miami
Garber also indicated that the rule will be reviewed in the future, in collaboration with the Players Association. Inter Miami’s technical staff, led by Javier Mascherano, had already expressed their concern about the players’ physical load and preferred that Messi and Alba not participate in the All-Star Game.Miami has had a schedule unlike any other team’s. We must manage that as a league.
Don Garber, MLS Commissioner
