Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has strongly condemned the suspension of Lionel Messi following the Argentine’s absence from the MLS All-Star game. Messi was handed a one-match ban that prevented him from playing in Inter Miami’s MLS fixture against FC Cincinnati on July 26. The suspension resulted from MLS rules that automatically penalize players who miss the All-Star game without prior approval.
The MLS All-Star event took place on July 23 in Texas, where the MLS squad defeated the Liga MX All-Stars 3-1. Both Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba missed the match, triggering their suspensions for the next league game. Nicol, speaking on ESPN FC, expressed disbelief at the decision to suspend such a high-profile player.
“I can’t believe that [Messi has been suspended]. You’re talking about a guy who has taken MLS up another level by the mere fact that he plays in it. Before Messi, nobody could have cared less about who played in the MLS. So you suspend the guy who has done so much for your league? And do you think for one second that Inter Miami would have been in the Club World Cup if Messi wasn’t playing for them? Not a chance!,” Nicol said.
He further criticized the league’s stance, emphasizing Messi’s impact on MLS visibility and growth.
“All Messi has done is raise the profile of MLS and they have turned around and suspended him for a game. If I’m Messi and anybody at Inter Miami I’m not lifting a finger to help MLS again. Forget it, I’m sorry. I think it’s a joke [to suspend Messi]. There’s always a circumstance where you have to make an exception and the fact that they haven’t taken that opportunity, I think, is a 100% wrong.”
Inter Miami Leadership Voices Discontent Over Messi’s Suspension
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas addressed the controversy during a press conference on July 25, sharing that the suspension has caused frustration within the club. Mas revealed that Messi, along with the rest of the Inter Miami squad, is unhappy about missing the upcoming game against FC Cincinnati.
“Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club, with the fact that they won’t be able to play tomorrow night. But I think what we have to do as a club is to get together as one, have an attitude that is us against the world. I think that the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian.”
Mas highlighted the players‘ competitive mindset and their struggle to accept the rule’s consequences on missing an exhibition match.
“Obviously, it was not a positive reaction [from Messi and Alba]. They want to compete, they want to play games. That’s what they’re here for, to play and win. They understand the magnitude of tomorrow’s night’s game. So no, their reaction was exactly as expected of two competitive players who don’t understand the decision, who don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.”
Looking Ahead: Messi’s Return Scheduled for Leagues Cup Match
Following this suspension, Lionel Messi is expected to return to the field for Inter Miami in their Leagues Cup group stage matchup against Atlas FC on July 30. The match is crucial as the team aims to build momentum in the tournament, and Messi’s presence will be vital to their competitive prospects.
The controversy surrounding Messi’s suspension has sparked widespread debate regarding the MLS’s disciplinary rules and their application to marquee players who contribute significantly to the league’s stature. The situation underscores tension between strict adherence to regulations and the practical impact on both clubs and the league’s reputation.