FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – InterMiami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, voiced his discontent with Major League Soccer’s decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for their home game against FC Cincinnati, suggesting that the ruling might have been different had they been playing away. According to league regulations, players who miss the All-Star Game without prior approval are ineligible to participate in their team’s next match, leaving Messi and Alba sidelined.
"I have my thoughts on this situation, but I’m not here to criticize MLS or push for changes to the rules," Mascherano stated. "While I fundamentally disagree with the decision, we’ve had to adjust to the circumstances."
He raised a critical question: "What if today’s game had been an away fixture? Would that have prevented Leo from playing as well? Do people express concern about filling the stadium and maximizing revenue?"
Before the All-Star Game, MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged that InterMiami was dealing with a challenging schedule, having played four matches in the FIFA Club World Cup. Mascherano remarked, “It’s odd that one day there’s a statement, and the next day a completely opposite decision is made. We all heard that considering the number of games he played, it made sense; hence we didn’t request a different approach.”
Mascherano’s comments come after InterMiami co-owner Jorge Mas stated the decision was "Draconian" and revealed that Messi was "very upset." Despite the absence of their star players, InterMiami ended their match against FC Cincinnati in a 0-0 draw at Chase Stadium on Saturday, where they also introduced new signing Rodrigo de Paul to fans, celebrating his status as a recent World Cup winner and Messi’s teammate.
“The signing of Rodrigo de Paul is a significant milestone for our club. As a reigning world champion in his prime at 31, his addition aligns with our ambition to enhance the club’s standing and value in the league, even amidst challenges," Mascherano emphasized.
InterMiami looks ahead to their League Cup debut against La Liga MX’s Atlas this Wednesday.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer fans as it highlights ongoing tensions between player management and league regulations, which can significantly impact game attendance and team dynamics. The situation underscores the need for MLS to consider its star players’ welfare while enhancing the league’s stature on an international scale.
