Miami Slams MLS Over 'Draconian' Messi, Alba Suspension

Inter Miami have offered pushback against MLS in the wake of the league's ruling involving star duo Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba .

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The Herons pair, who sat out the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, have been handed an expected one-match suspension per league rules that cite any player who does not participate in the event without prior league approval will then be ineligible to compete in their club’s next match.

With Javier Mascherano's outfit set for a critical Eastern Conference meeting with Cincinnati tomorrow night, club owner Jorge Mas held a press conference to voice his opinion surrounding a rule he dubbed 'draconian.'

– Friday, 25 July 2025

“The reaction was exactly as expected: Not positive..." Mas said, with the players seemingly unhappy at the ruling.

"They don’t understand the decision. They don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.”

“I think the rule is going to change.”

"There are 6 MLS games this evening, less than 48 hours after an All-Star Game. That’s not right. That’s not right to the players.”

Questions may now arise over Messi's perception of MLS overall, with Mas now voicing concern surrounding contract negotiations with the Argentine legend.

“Lionel Messi is extremely upset. I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term."

📸 Editorial Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta | 2025 Jul 19 - Imagn Images