Messi Extremely Upset: "Draconian" Suspension Sparks Outrage at Inter Miami

Messi Extremely Upset: “Draconian” Suspension Sparks Outrage at Inter Miami

The football world is buzzing with controversy after Major League Soccer (MLS) handed a one-game suspension to global icon Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba. The reason? Their absence from Wednesday’s All-Star Game. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has not held back, labeling the punishment “draconian” and revealing that Messi himself is “extremely upset.”

The “Draconian” Decision: Why Messi and Alba Are Sidelined

According to MLS rules, any player selected for the All-Star Game who does not participate without prior league approval is automatically ineligible for their club’s next match. This rigid policy has now directly impacted Inter Miami’s crucial game against MLS Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati this Saturday.

Jorge Mas passionately defended the club’s decision to rest Messi and Alba, emphasizing that it was a collective choice made to prioritize the players’ health and well-being. With an incredibly congested schedule that has seen Inter Miami play nine matches in the past 36 days across the Concacaf Champions League, MLS regular season, and FIFA Club World Cup, the club felt it was essential to give their star players a much-needed break. They even communicated this with the league earlier in the week.

Player Welfare vs. League Mandate: A Growing Divide

“Lionel Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club, with the fact that they won’t be able to play tomorrow night,” Mas stated, highlighting the deep frustration within the Inter Miami camp. Both Messi and Alba, known for their competitive spirit, are said to be struggling to understand why missing an exhibition match leads to such a severe consequence.

This incident brings to light a critical discussion about player welfare in a sport with increasingly demanding schedules. Mas made it clear that if faced with a similar situation next year, Inter Miami would make the same decision, underscoring the “untenable” nature of the current rules.

The Bigger Picture: Messi’s Future and MLS Policy Review

The repercussions of this “draconian” sanction could extend beyond a single game. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of the 2025 campaign, and while negotiations for a new deal are ongoing, Mas admitted the suspension could “absolutely” impact Messi’s initial perception of the league and its rules.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber has acknowledged the growing concerns, stating that the league will “take a hard look at the policy moving forward” and is “committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve.” This signals a potential shift in how player participation in exhibition matches will be handled in the future.

Show Your Support: Get Your Inter Miami Gear!

Despite this setback, the passion for Inter Miami and its superstar remains undimmed. Let’s stand with Messi and the team as they navigate this challenging period.

And for all you passionate fans out there, remember you can show your unwavering support by getting your official Inter Miami jersey! Head over to JerseyWorld Store, conveniently located in Nairobi, Moi Avenue, 6th Floor, Suit 3. Rep your team with pride!