Inter Miami Owner Panics as Lionel Messi's Fury Over All-Star Game Ban Sends Shockwaves Through Club
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed his concerns that Lionel Messi's frustrated reaction to receiving a one-match ban for missing the All-Star Game might influence the Argentine star's decision regarding a contract extension.
Messi and his teammate Jordi Alba are set to sit out Saturday's clash against FC Cincinnati after they failed to participate in the annual showcase event for which both were selected, due to a Major League Soccer regulation concerning unexcused absences from the All-Star Game.
"Clearly, it wasn't a favorable response," Mas commented about Messi during an unscheduled media briefing. "They have a desire to compete. They want to participate in matches. That's their purpose here: to play and achieve victory.
"They recognize the significance of tomorrow evening's fixture. So their reaction was precisely what you'd expect from two driven athletes who cannot comprehend the ruling, who fail to grasp why missing an exhibition contest results in an automatic suspension. The regulation exists as it stands, but they cannot fathom it."
Messi's deal with Miami concludes at the year's end, but while there has been sustained confidence regarding a renewal, Mas acknowledged his worry that Messi's frustration with the decision might affect his considerations about his future.
"He's deeply frustrated, incredibly upset at this moment, which is understandable," Mas elaborated. "I remain optimistic it won't create lasting consequences. Will it initially affect the players' view of how league regulations operate? Without question."
The Miami co-owner further stated: "I wanted to publicly declare our complete backing, both for Lionel and Jordi, as the choice for them to rest this week was a club decision. And I believe that's a crucial detail. They had just completed nine matches in 35 days. Demanding fixtures. The two most recent games before this Wednesday were away contests on Wednesday at Cincinnati, then Saturday in New York. We have tomorrow's match ahead, plus a schedule of 10 games across the next 34 days.
"There exists an MLS regulation stating that missing the All-Star Game results in a one-game suspension. I consider it a flawed rule, though it remains in effect. It's problematic because it forces players into an impossible situation where they must decide between joining an All-Star celebration, which is essentially an exhibition, or prioritizing a regular season match that truly counts, and I respect both Lionel and Jordi for consistently putting the club's interests first."