Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not play in Inter Miami’s next league match against FC Cincinnati. Major League Soccer made the announcement on Friday after both players missed the All-Star Game earlier this week.
The league explained that, according to its rules, any player who does not take part in the All-Star Game without approval cannot play in their next club match. Messi and Alba were chosen to play in the match between MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX stars but pulled out on Wednesday. No reason was given for their absence.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas spoke out against the decision. He said Messi was very unhappy and felt the punishment was unfair.
“Leo is very upset. I hope this does not change how he feels about the league,” said Mas. “He loves to play in big matches and always wants to compete.”
Mas also said the decision might affect the ongoing talks to extend Messi’s contract, which ends after the 2025 season.
Messi has had a heavy schedule recently. He played nine full matches in just over a month, including four games in the Club World Cup. MLS Commissioner Don Garber admitted this and said the league should have been informed earlier. Still, he said the rule had to be followed.
“This was not an easy choice,” said Garber. “Messi has helped MLS in many ways. He loves this league and gives everything for his team. But we have had this rule for a long time and we had to apply it.”
Garber also said the league would now review the rule and talk to players about possible changes.
“We will look closely at this policy,” he said. “It is important to make sure it fits today’s game and respects the efforts of our players.”