Why did MLS suspend Messi and Alba?
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, both key players for Inter Miami, have been suspended by Major League Soccer for missing this week’s All-Star match without prior approval. According to league policy, any player selected for the All-Star Game who does not participate without a valid reason, such as an injury, is automatically ineligible to play in their club’s next fixture. As a result, the two stars were barred from Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati.
MLS confirmed the decision in a statement released Friday, saying, “Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match.” The absence of Messi and Alba from Wednesday’s high-profile event against a Liga MX team was never publicly explained, leading to league enforcement of the policy.
What Did MLS Commissioner Don Garber Say?
MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the suspension as necessary but difficult. “I know Lionel Messi loves this league,” Garber said. “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,” he added. However, Garber also noted that the league would reconsider how this policy is applied in future situations. “We’re going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward,” he said. “I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve.”
Was Messi’s Busy Schedule a Factor?
Garber acknowledged the unusually tight match schedule Inter Miami has faced. “Miami’s had a schedule that is unlike any other team. Most of our teams had a 10-day break. Miami hasn’t. So we have to manage through that as a league,” he said. Over the past 35 days, Messi has played nine full 90-minute matches, including appearances at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Even before the All-Star event, there were signals from Inter Miami’s coaching staff that resting the players would have been preferable. “The players are called up. I’d prefer they rest, but it’s not my decision,” said Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
By Yockshard Enyendi