FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano criticized MLS’ choice to droop Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday’s dwelling match towards FC Cincinnati for failing to take part within the All-Star Recreation, questioning whether or not the identical ruling would have been made if Miami had as a substitute been enjoying a street recreation.
League guidelines state that any participant who doesn’t take part within the All-Star Recreation with out prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in his membership’s subsequent match, forcing Messi and Alba to the sidelines.
“I’ve an opinion on what occurred however I did not come right here to criticize MLS or change the rule. We did not adapt to what occurred, past the truth that I do not agree with the choice — I do not agree with it in any respect — however, nicely, we have tailored,” mentioned Mascherano.
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“Now I’ve a query: What would’ve occurred if at present’s recreation was an away recreation? Did that additionally forestall Leo from enjoying? As a result of to fill stadiums and generate income, nobody complains, proper? The factor is, this recreation was at dwelling. I will depart that to you.”
Earlier than the All-Star Recreation, MLS commissioner Don Garber acknowledged that Inter Miami was affected by the implications of a congested schedule that noticed the staff play 4 video games on the FIFA Membership World Cup, whereas Alba suffered an damage following the sport towards the New York Red Bulls on July 19. Nonetheless, the league selected to uphold the rule.
“What I do discover unusual is that in the future they are saying one factor and the following day they make a very totally different choice,” Mascherano mentioned. “As a result of all of us heard what was mentioned, that it was comprehensible, given the variety of video games he’d been enjoying. We did not ask for it to be dealt with in another way.”
Mascherano’s feedback observe these of Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, who on Friday called the decision “draconian” and mentioned that Messi was “extraordinarily upset.”
Regardless of the absences, Inter Miami held FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw at Chase Stadium on Saturday night time. The staff additionally introduced new signing Rodrigo De Paul previous to kick off, introducing the World Cup winner and Messi’s Argentina teammate to followers.
“Rodrigo De Paul’s signing is clearly one other historic signing, a brand new historic signing for this membership. He is a world champion, at his present age, 31, in his prime,” mentioned Mascherano.
“I feel it speaks to this membership’s ambition, to proceed rising as a membership, to goal to proceed including worth to this league, despite the fact that it is usually mistreated. Effectively, the membership continues investing, continues attempting to boost the staff’s worth, and above all, I hope he helps us as we predict he’ll. We want all of them the most effective on this new section.”
Inter Miami will now put together to debut within the 2025 version of Leagues Cup on Wednesday towards Liga MX staff Atlas.