Messi and Alba Suspended After Missing MLS: Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami have been suspended for one match by Major League Soccer (MLS). Why? They had no good reason for missing the 2024 MLS All-Star game.
Shortly after the conclusion of the All-Star event, the decision was made public. Players chosen for the All-Star game are required to attend, per MLS regulations. They risk missing their next regular season game by one game if they don’t.
The Real Reason Messi and Alba Got Suspended
Both Alba and Messi were chosen to play in the All-Star game. Columbus, Ohio hosted the game on July 24. But neither of them appeared.
The players had not provided an official medical or personal reason, according to MLS. The automatic suspension rule thus came into effect.
For their next MLS game, Inter Miami will now have to play without its two best players.
Messi and Alba’s Suspension Hurts Inter Miami’s Momentum
This season, Inter Miami has been playing very well. Messi has been crucial. The team is now at the top of the Eastern Conference standings thanks to his goals and assists.
His former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba has also played a significant role in both attack and defense.
Team performance may suffer if both are missed for even one game. Fans are also dissatisfied. Many people eagerly anticipated seeing the pair in each match.
Inter Miami has not yet released a formal statement. Club sources, however, claim that they understand the league’s regulations and agree with the ruling.
Messi and Alba Face Suspension — What the Rules Say
One important event is the MLS All-Star game. It honors the best players in the league. The media, coaches, and fans vote for the players.
Players are expected to show up once they are chosen, barring injuries or personal emergencies.
Absences are taken seriously by the league. For this reason, they strictly enforce the suspension rule.
This rule is not unique to Messi and Alba. Similar suspensions have previously been imposed on a number of elite players.
Messi and Alba Skipped the All-Star Match — Here’s Why
Alba and Messi have not publicly offered an explanation.
According to some reports, they would have rather rested before the hectic league schedule. Others did not formally report their minor injuries to MLS, despite believing they had them.
The league was forced to take action in the absence of official evidence.
At the All-Star game, their absence was felt. Given that Messi is still the face of international football, the stadium was packed with fans who couldn’t wait to see him.
How Fans Reacted to Messi and Alba’s Suspension
Many fans expressed their opinions on social media. Some defended the suspension, arguing that everyone should be subject to the rules, including Messi.
Others were let down. They think that, given his worldwide influence, a superstar like Messi ought to have received different treatment.
Nonetheless, the majority of fans appear to concur that there could have been better communication. Clubs and the league should notify fans in advance if players will not be able to attend.
What’s Next After Messi and Alba’s Suspension?
In the upcoming match, Inter Miami will need to rely on other members of the team. When the veterans are not present, younger players might have an opportunity to shine.
This suspension could be a minor setback for Messi and Alba. They are still dedicated to helping Miami win trophies this season, though.
With this choice, MLS also conveys a message. The rules are bigger than any player.
Assessing Inter Miami’s Depth Without Messi and Alba
With Alba and Messi out, coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has a challenge. He will need to rotate his team and modify his strategy.
Miami’s general strength will be put to the test in this match. The team is not unduly dependent on its stars if they are still able to win.
In conclusion
It might seem insignificant that Messi and Alba were suspended for missing the All-Star game. However, it has sparked discussion among media and fans.
It shows how important it is to abide by league rules and respect agreements.
Legends like Messi are subject to the same rules as the rest of us. That maintains the equal playing field of the game.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and official announcements at the time of writing. Any opinions or interpretations expressed are for informational purposes only and do not represent the views of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Inter Miami CF, or Major League Soccer (MLS). For the latest updates, readers are encouraged to follow official league and club channels.
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