Lionel Messi was suspended for one match by the MLS after failing to attend the All-Star Game, and according to Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, the Argentine star is “extremely upset” with the sanction.

What happened with Messi?

Messi and Jordi Alba, both Inter Miami players, were penalized on Friday for not participating in the MLS All-Star match against the Liga MX team, which took place on Wednesday in Austin, Texas. Both footballers had been selected by fans and the media to participate but did not attend.

As a consequence, neither Messi nor Alba will be available for Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati this Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to MLS regulations, players who miss the All-Star Game without authorization must serve an automatic one-match suspension in an official game.

Jorge Mas expressed his discontent with the measure

“He’s very upset, extremely upset today, as expected. I hope this doesn’t have long-term consequences. Will it impact how players perceive how the league operates? Without a doubt.”

The club owner defended the competitive commitment of Messi and Alba:

“They want to compete, they want to play. That’s why they’re here: to play and win. They know how important Saturday night’s match is. So their reaction was expected from two players who don’t understand why missing an exhibition match leads to an automatic suspension.”

Mas described the sanction as disproportionate:

“The rule is what it is, but they don’t understand it... Frankly, I think the punishment is draconian.”