MLS Imposes Suspension on Lionel Messi Due to Absence at All-Star Match
Messi and Alba Suspended for One MLS Game Over All-Star Game Absence
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, two of Inter Miami's star players, have been suspended for one MLS game each due to their absence from the MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. This suspension is a result of league rules that state any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval is ineligible for their club's next match.
Both Messi and Alba were voted into the All-Star squad by fans and media but reportedly communicated prior to the event that they would not participate. As a consequence, they are ineligible for Inter Miami's next match against Cincinnati FC at home on Saturday, July 26.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber emphasized respect for Messi’s commitment to Inter Miami despite the suspension, acknowledging Messi’s significant contributions to the league. The suspension was viewed as a way to uphold league rules rather than a personal punitive measure.
The enforcement of the rule has sparked debate about whether it was appropriate to suspend stars like Messi given their importance to the league and the perception that the All-Star Game itself is less critical. Nonetheless, the enforcement of the rule stands to maintain the integrity of MLS All-Star Game participation requirements.
Interestingly, the one-game ban inadvertently gives Messi a period of mandatory rest ahead of other competitions like the Leagues Cup, which Inter Miami's coach views positively for Messi's fitness and motivation.
The suspension rule ensures that players either participate in or have valid reasons for missing the All-Star Game, reflecting MLS’s effort to give the event prestige and maintain player commitment. All-Star Games are a priority for MLS, according to Don Garber.
It's worth noting that Inter Miami ranked second in the most recent Sportico MLS team valuations, with a value of $1.19 billion. The team's matchday and commercial revenue were estimated to be roughly $90 million each, setting a new revenue record for MLS in 2023, with estimated revenue of $190 million.
Garber mentioned that Miami's schedule is unlike any other team, with most teams having a 10-day break, while Miami hasn't. He also stated that he will work with players to consider changing the policy around the All-Star Game. The ruling should help quell the narrative that Inter Miami has its own set of rules due to its importance to the league's economic engine.
In the past, MLS has suspended players for similar reasons. In 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was suspended one game for skipping the All-Star Game. The MLS Commissioner stated that the All-Star Game is important for stakeholders, fans, and partners.
In summary, the suspension of Messi and Alba for missing the MLS All-Star Game without an approved medical reason upholds league rules and maintains the integrity of the All-Star Game participation requirements. The one-game ban also provides Messi with a period of mandatory rest ahead of other competitions.
Sports teams like Inter Miami face consequences for players who don't fulfill All-Star Game obligations, as demonstrated by the team valuations; for instance, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba's one-game suspension in the MLS for their absence from the All-Star Game. Despite the controversy, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has stressed the importance of All-Star Games to the league.
