Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, key players for Inter Miami, may face suspension for choosing not to participate in the MLS All-Star Game, according to the league’s regulations. The rule mandates that all players selected must play in the event, or they will receive a one-match suspension unless excused due to injury.
Messi’s absence this year has drawn attention because he also missed last season’s All-Star Game due to injury. If suspended, both Messi and Alba would be required to sit out Inter Miami’s upcoming home match against FC Cincinnati this weekend.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Past Criticism of MLS Suspension Policy
This policy recalls a similar controversy involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2018. At that time, Ibrahimovic was suspended for a game after declining to play in the All-Star match. LA Galaxy lost 2-1 to Colorado Rapids in his absence, prompting Zlatan to openly criticize the league. He expressed his frustration to ESPN:
“It think it is ridiculous, but yeah, no comments. They do whatever they want. I come from a different world, I come from the real world. It is what it is. I respect in the end, and I’m sorry for my teammates only that I could not help them in the game. But yeah, people are interested in different things. They lose on it, and for me it doesn’t matter.”
Zlatan’s candid remarks highlight ongoing tensions between star players and league mandates, especially when players feel constrained by organizational rules.
MLS All-Stars Win Despite Absences
Despite missing Messi and Alba, the MLS All-Stars managed a 3-1 victory over the Liga MX All-Stars. The goals came from Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo, and Brian White for the MLS side, while Gilberto Mora scored for the Liga MX All-Stars, maintaining a competitive balance in the closely followed exhibition match.
Marcus Rashford’s Opinions on Messi and Ronaldo Reemerge After Barcelona Move
Marcus Rashford’s perspective on the debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has come back into the spotlight following his recent loan transfer to Barcelona. Rashford, who rose through Manchester United’s youth academy, surprisingly favored Messi rather than Ronaldo, despite his historic ties to the Manchester United star.
He shared his view in 2018, as reported by GIVEMESPORT:
“I’d have to say Messi, some of the stuff that he does is unbelievable. I’m a big fan of Ronaldo as well – but I think Messi is the greatest ever.”
Rashford’s loan deal to Barcelona was finalized on July 23, and he will don the number 14 jersey for the Catalan club. Barcelona holds an option to make the transfer permanent next summer, valuing him at €30 million.
Implications of Messi’s Possible Suspension for Inter Miami
The potential suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba adds a layer of uncertainty to Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures, notably their match against FC Cincinnati. Such absences could impact the team’s performance and highlight the tension between player commitments and MLS policies. Messi’s situation also reignites conversations about player autonomy in the league and the enforcement of mandatory appearances at league-sponsored events.