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AFCON 2025
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The Inter Miami star is reportedly upset after he was officially handed a one-match ban
Lionel Messi is “extremely upset” after being handed a one-match suspension for missing the MLS All-Star game, according to Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas.
The Argentine star, alongside teammate Jordi Alba, was sanctioned under a league rule that bans players from their next club match if they skip the All-Star event without prior approval.
‘He’s very upset’ – Mas slams harsh punishment
Jorge Mas did not hold back when discussing the fallout from MLS’s decision, revealing that Messi and Alba were both stunned by the severity of the league’s rule.
The All-Star game, which MLS won 3-1 over Liga MX’s best, is considered an exhibition match by many players. Yet, the league’s regulations remain firm: no show without approval means an automatic ban from the next match.
“He’s very upset, extremely upset, as expected,” Mas said of Messi. He went further, labelling the punishment “draconian” and questioned how missing an exhibition match could warrant a competitive suspension.
Mas admitted the incident could affect how star players perceive MLS: “Will it have an impact initially, in the players’ perception of how the league rules work? Absolutely no doubt.”
Confusion and frustration over unclear rule
The ban means Messi and Alba will miss Inter Miami’s weekend clash with FC Cincinnati. Both players, Mas explained, were confused by the disciplinary move.
“They don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension,” Mas said.
While acknowledging that the rule is in place, Mas stressed the need for clearer communication and fairer treatment, especially for high-profile names helping to grow the league.