All-Star ban could damage Messi's relationship with MLS, warns Mas
Lionel Messi has been given a one-match ban by MLS, a move Jorge Mas hopes will not affect his contract negotiations with Inter Miami.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas hopes the decision to issue Lionel Messi a one-match ban for skipping the MLS All-Star Game will not affect his future in the league.
Messi, as well as his team-mate Jordi Alba, will miss Miami's crunch meeting with FC Cincinnati on Saturday after being suspended by the league.
Messi and Alba were both named to the MLS All-Star Roster for the second year running, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner having missed the 2024 event with an ankle injury.
This time around, Messi and Alba withdrew ahead of the skills challenge on Tuesday, having also skipped training after Miami coach Javier Mascherano voiced concerns about the prospect of his star players being overworked.
The duo were then removed from the roster before the MLS All-Stars beat their Liga MLS counterparts 3-1 on Wednesday, and the league moved to punish them on Friday.
"Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match," MLS said in a statement on Friday.
The league's commissioner, Don Garber, said of the decision: "I know Lionel Messi loves this league.
"I don't think there's a player – or anyone – who has done more for MLS than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.
"Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game and we had to enforce it."
Messi's contract with Miami is due to expire at the end of this year, and he remains locked in negotiations over fresh terms amid continued interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.
Speaking to reporters after Miami announced the signing of Messi's Argentina team-mate Rodrigo De Paul on Friday, Mas warned MLS that the forward's ban could have ramifications.
"Lionel Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club, with the fact that they won't be able to play tomorrow night," Mas said.
"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'm hopeful it doesn't have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact initially, in the players' perception of how the league rules work? Absolutely no doubt.
"The reaction was exactly as expected from two competitive players who don't understand the decision, who don't understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension."
Messi's absence will be a huge blow for Miami as they face Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati in a crucial game at Chase Stadium.
Cincinnati are seven points clear of Miami having played three additional games, with Messi having netted 18 goals in as many games in the league this season.
