Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has fired off a strong rebuke against Major League Soccer, calling the suspensions of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba "draconian." The move came after both stars opted out of the MLS All-Star Game, a decision that has now sparked a heated debate among fans and young soccer enthusiasts.
According to MLS rules, any player who misses the All-Star Game without prior approval is automatically banned from their next match. Messi chose to rest amid a jam-packed schedule, while Alba was managing a previous injury. The club made the call for both to sit out the exhibition match, a decision that has clearly upset Mas, who believes the punishment is far too harsh.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber defended the enforcement of the rule, emphasizing that every player must adhere to the established policy. While Garber acknowledged Messi's passion for the league and his commitment to Inter Miami, he also indicated that the league will re-evaluate the policy in the future.
The suspension had real consequences on the field. Inter Miami missed a crucial home match against Cincinnati that ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving the team to grapple with the fallout in the Eastern Conference standings. As the controversy simmers, questions arise about whether a rigid, one-size-fits-all rule truly supports player welfare in today’s demanding soccer calendar. ⚽
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Inter Miami owner calls MLS suspensions of Messi and Alba "draconian"
cgtn.com
