Bombshell news in the MLS after the league confirmed the sanctions for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for not attending Wednesday’s All-Star Game in Austin. It’s a decision that has left a feeling of discontent at Inter Miami environment ahead of this weekend’s crucial match against conference leaders, Cincinnati - in which they will be without two key players.
The MLS decision annoyed Inter Miami, where the top brass reacted immediately and in response to the sanction. Owner Jorge Mas, called a press conference this Friday to express his anger while offering his support to Messi and Alba.
In a press conference, Mas revealed that the decision didn’t go down well at all with Messi and when asked if this situation could impact his future, replied that the Argentine’s (imminent) renewal remains up in the air.
“Messi is upset by today’s decision, but I hope it doesn’t have a long-term impact,” Mas explained.
Likewise, Mas assured that the decision was communicated during the team’s training, something that had a strong impact during the team’s training, which is why Mas made the decision to come out and clarify.
“We were informed a few hours ago. The reaction was as expected, it was not a positive reaction, they want to compete, they want to play matches, especially tomorrow’s. The decision to suspend him for not attending an exhibition game is not understood, but rules are rules, although it should change.
"I didn’t expect a suspension to come, but rules are rules and Lionel was informed after training. We found out about the suspension while the club was training and I decided to come to speak on behalf of the club and make no mistake on our part in defending Jordi and Messi”.
Jorge Mas: “The rules aren’t clear; it’s not right for the players”
Mas went on to add that he thinks there is no logical in starting a new MLS matchday this Friday, as there has been little time for the players to rest following the All-Star Game.
“There are six MLS games today, less than 48 hours after the All-Star Game. It’s not the right thing to do for the players. We need to find a way for the ASG to happen without harming MLS teams,” he explained.
Jorge Mas on the subject of Jordi Alba
“The league was notified about the muscle strain he had in the last game. But the rule is that if he gets injured in the second half of the last game they suspend him and if he gets injured in the first half he wouldn’t have been suspended, the rule doesn’t make any sense”.
Messi annoyed
“Lionel is very upset, like everyone at the club because they won’t be able to play tomorrow and what we have to do as a club is come together as one and face what’s coming up, starting with tomorrow’s game and the Leagues Cup next week”.
On pre-ASG talks with MLS
“There were no talks because the rules aren’t clear. And I’m referring to this same situation last year. Last year neither Lionel nor Luis Suárez went to Columbus and there was talk of a suspension, but I reminded everyone that Messi was injured after the Copa América final.
“This rule was still discussed last year, and some adjustments were made, like the one with Jordi; if he had been injured in the first 45 minutes, he wouldn’t have been suspended. The rule needs to be changed and players shouldn’t be put in the position of choosing which match they have to play in”.