Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has revealed that Lionel Messi is ‘extremely upset’ over his Major League Soccer suspension for missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were both voted into the All-Star Game but did not take part in any of the events in Austin, Texas this week.
The former Barcelona duo did not show for the All-Star skills challenge on Tuesday evening and were missing from the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday where they would have played against an equivalent select squad from Mexico’s LigaMX.
MLS rules state that players who miss the All-Star Game without approval from the league are subject to a suspension. On Friday, MLS confirmed that Messi and Alba will serve a one-game ban and are ‘unavailable’ for Inter Miami’s league match against Cincinnati on Saturday night.
‘The reaction was as expected, obviously it was not a positive reaction, they want to compete, they want to play games, that’s what they’re here for – to play and win,’ Mas said on Friday.
‘They understand the magnitude of tomorrow night’s game, so the reaction was exactly as expected out 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, the rule is what it is, they don’t understand it.
‘I don’t agree with the rule, I have made my thoughts know to the commissioner very plainly. I think it is going to change but that’s neither here nor there, but their reaction was as I expected, they were extremely upset both of them.
Asked if the decision could impact Messi’s future at Inter Miami, Mas replied: ‘He’s very upset, he’s extremely upset, as expected. I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long term.
‘Will it have an impact initially in the player’s perception on how the league rules work? Absolutely, no doubt.’
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement: ‘I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s a player – or anyone – who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi.
‘I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.
‘Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision. That said, we’re going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve.’
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