tThe Intermiami guy became nervous and rebellious after Major League Soccer handed both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba a controversial one-game suspension due to missing the league’s All-Star Game.
The move not only sidelined the team’s biggest names for a key Eastern Conference matchup with FC Cincinnati, but also sparked a sharp responsibilities from the club’s top brass burning innocence within Miami camp.
The club’s co-owner Jorge Mass failed to stand Friday’s press conference and described the league’s actions as “Draconians,” revealing Messi in particular being “very upset” by the punishment.
“Lionel Messi is very upset by the fact that we can’t play tomorrow night, just like we’re all at the club. But I think all we have to do as a club is to come together as one and we have an attitude towards the world,” Mass said.
The suspension was triggered by the MLS rule that players who missed the All-Star Game without previous league approval cannot play on fixtures for the next club.
Both Messi and Alba were deemed ineligible for the high stakes conflict on Saturday.
Mas quickly made it clear that Messi and Alba’s decision to skip the exhibition came from the club rather than the players.
He claimed that after nine brutal runs in just 36 days, including the MLS regular season, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and League Cup equipment looming, Integrami felt an obligation to prioritize the health and happiness of the stars.
“The decision to sit this week was made by the club, and I think that’s a key point. I want to assure everyone that Lionel and Yoldi acted in a way that approved what the club wanted,” Mass said.
Mas added that the club had communicated their intentions to the MLS in advance, but was told that the rules would be strictly enforced regardless.
“They want to compete, they want to play the game,” Mass said. “That’s what they’re here to play and win, they know the size of the game tomorrow night.
“No, their response was expected from two competitive players who didn’t understand the decision, but not understanding why they wouldn’t participate in the exhibition match leads directly to the suspension.”
Continuous frustration and questions about future
The controversy comes at a sensitive period, with Messi’s contract expired at the end of the 2025 season, with negotiations for new deals set forth.
Mass acknowledged that the episode could affect the star’s perception of the league. “We hope it won’t have a long-term impact. Will it affect players’ perceptions of how league rules work at first?
MLS Commissioner Don Gerber has admitted the protest, indicating that the policy could be reviewed. “I’m working with players to determine how the rules evolve,” Gerber said.
For now, Intermiami is being reorganized without the name of a marquee. Their frustration adds another layer of plot to an already dramatic MLS season.
