Lionel Messi has found himself at the center of controversy following a suspension handed down for skipping the MLS All-Star Game. After the one-game ban was confirmed, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas admitted the disciplinary action could cast doubt over Messi’s future with the club.
Despite being the league’s marquee player, Messi — along with teammate Jordi Alba — was not exempt from the MLS rule that enforces a one-game suspension on any player who misses the All-Star Game without an official reason, such as injury or illness. As a result, both stars will be unavailable for Saturday’s clash against FC Cincinnati.
The league’s swift and non-negotiable ruling caught Inter Miami off guard, especially after a demanding stretch that saw the club endure a grueling schedule over the past two months. Shortly after the suspension was made public, Mas held an impromptu press conference Friday afternoon to address the issue:
“Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are professionals who want to win and represent this team and the league with honor. This year alone, he has played 33 matches — every Inter Miami game is an All-Star Game, and we support them,” Mas began. “The decision for them not to play was a team decision — I want to make that clear,” he added.
Mas was later asked about Messi’s reaction to the suspension and whether it could impact his ongoing contract negotiations. His response was cautiously pessimistic: “Messi is extremely upset. I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact on his perception on the league and its rules? No doubt”.
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While Alba recently extended his contract through 2027, Messi’s renewal talks have stalled in recent months. Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli has reportedly shown interest, with a record-breaking offer on the table. With his current deal set to expire in December 2025 — and the All-Star ban deemed unappealable — even Mas appeared uncertain about how this decision might influence Messi’s future in MLS.
Jorge Mas criticizes MLS All-Star rule
Earlier on Friday, head coach Javier Mascherano emphasized that Inter Miami had played more matches than any other MLS team in June and July, presenting a strong case for allowing the players to sit out the All-Star Game. But now that the suspension has been enforced, Mas didn’t hold back in his criticism of the policy.
“It’s a bad rule because it forces players to choose between an exhibition match and a regular season match,” Mas said. “I admire Jordi and Lionel for putting the team first. The rule needs to be changed. I expressed my disagreement with the commissioner over this decision, and I want to be clear: Lionel and Jordi acted in accordance with what the team needed.”
Calling the suspension a move that harms players, fans, sponsors, and Apple TV — the league’s broadcast partner — Mas also shared how Messi and Alba reacted to the news: “They received the news just a few hours ago, and the reaction was not a positive one. They want to play. Their reaction was exactly what you’d expect — they don’t understand the decision.”
