Inter Miami owner rips MLS over decision to suspend star Lionel Messi: 'That's not right'
Messi and Alba will be sidelined for Inter Miami's match against Eastern Conference-leading Cincinnati FC Saturday.
Both players skipped Wednesday's MLS All-Star game in Austin, Texas, despite receiving enough votes. The major league All-Stars defeated the Liga MX All-Stars 3-1.
But Mas asserted the league's decision was a "draconian" punishment.
"They don't understand the decision," Mas said Friday. "They don't understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension."
Messi, the captain of Argentina's 2022 World Cup champion team, cited the need to rest instead of competing in the All-Star game. Meanwhile, Alba was dealing with a previous injury.
Mas said the club made the decision for Messi and Alba to sit out of the All-Star Game.
According to MLS rules, any player who doesn't participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in his club's next match.
Messi and Alba practiced with the club Friday in anticipation of playing in Saturday's match before MLS announced the suspension.
"I know Lionel Messi loves this league," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "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."
Garber added that the league will reevaluate the policy and work with players to "determine how the rule should evolve."
Mas said Inter Miami expressed its disagreement over the suspension and the rule. Mas also noted there were six MLS games Friday night, less than 48 hours after an All-Star Game.
"That's not right," Mas said. "That's not right to the players."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a minute ago
- Yahoo
Iowa football shares unique behind-the-scenes look at Big Ten media days
As Iowa football experienced its first conference visit to Las Vegas on Thursday for the 2025 Big Ten media days at the Mandalay Bay Resort, the Hawkeyes released a unique behind-the-scenes look at the annual preseason event. While Iowa's group of representatives, which included head coach Kirk Ferentz, defensive back Koen Entringer, defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett, and offensive lineman Logan Jones, had to wait until the last day of the three-day event to make their appearance, the Hawkeyes were still able to enjoy the spotlight in Sin City. In a behind-the-scenes video posted on their social media platforms, the program provided a very personable view of the proceedings through the lens of the three current athletes accompanying Ferentz. The video captured every aspect of Thursday's 2025 Big Ten media days appearance, spanning from the flight to Las Vegas to the humorous questions asked by the players to their soon-to-be 70-year-old head coach. As the Hawkeyes enter the 2025-26 campaign with an improving offense to pair with their top-tier defense, Iowa could be primed for a magical season fans have been dreaming of. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football shares unique behind-the-scenes of Big Ten media days
Yahoo
a minute ago
- Yahoo
'Normal to have to build your confidence'
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot says pre-season wins can "build confidence" for upcoming campaign. The Red Devils came out 2-1 winners over West Ham United in their opening game of the Premier League Summer Series in the United States on Saturday, with captain Bruno Fernandes netting twice. This preparation for the new campaign is the first time boss Ruben Amorim has had the chance to have a pre-season with the team after arriving in November. Speaking after the game at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Dalot said: "It's been good [having pre-season with Amorim]. We train a lot, we train hard. Today you saw also what kind of intensity we can bring. "I think we're still at the beginning. We have a lot more potential to show in that aspect, but I think for today it was good intensity and a good performance. "Last season was not good enough, we know that, and now we have to find a way to improve. I think we've made some good signings already. You saw already Matheus [Cunha], he can bring a lot to the team. "I like the mentality of us today, high pressing, a lot of intensity." After just 11 league wins and a 15th-place finish, 2024-25 was regarded as the club's worst campaign since the 1973-74 relegation season and Amorim and his players will know they need to do better this time around. "After a season like that, it's normal to have to build your confidence," Dalot added. "That's why I think a win like today is really important. I think with winning, you become more confident. You start to believe more in what you're doing. "[This win] was a good example of what we can show, and hopefully with this the group becomes even better."
Yahoo
a minute ago
- Yahoo
New York Giants' Bryce Ford-Wheaton carted off after suffering ugly leg injury
The New York Giants have stiff competition at wide receiver in training camp, with multiple players vying for one or two spots at the backend of the depth chart. Among them is prized special teamer, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who has dealt with several injuries throughout his young career. Misfortune again found Ford-Wheaton on Sunday when the receiver went down in serious pain during drills. He attempted to walk off the field but collapsed and slammed his helmet into the ground in frustration. The cart was called out for Ford-Wheaton as he was surrounded by teammates. More to come... This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Bryce Ford-Wheaton carted off after suffering ugly leg injury
