Inter Miami CF’s All-Star Game Absences
Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami CF, has confirmed that the club will not face disciplinary actions from Major League Soccer (MLS) following the absence of stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba from the MLS All-Star Game held in Austin, Texas. Although both athletes were included in the All-Star roster through fan and media votes, the league notified everyone on the day of the match that they would not participate.
Player Status and Health Concerns
Per league regulations, players who opt out of the All-Star event without an approved medical exemption can face a one-match suspension. However, Mascherano explained that Messi was not injured but had been experiencing typical fatigue due to a demanding schedule.
“Messi has been playing a lot of minutes and games. There are always some minor discomforts when players compete every few days. Fortunately, he’s back in training today. We hope he can join the team in practice so we can have him available for tomorrow’s match,”
Mascherano stated.
On the other hand, Alba is dealing with a minor injury sustained after the match against the New York Red Bulls on July 19. Both players returned to the training ground on Friday, preparing to face FC Cincinnati this Saturday at Chase Stadium, with their participation in the match hinging on their fitness levels.
Concerns About the All-Star Game Scheduling
Mascherano further noted that while the concept of the All-Star Game is positive and beneficial for the league’s promotion, it should not be placed in the middle of a hectic competitive calendar that stresses players. He voiced concerns about the feasibility of the event, stating,
“If you want to organize this type of game, that’s wonderful, but it shouldn’t interfere with the actual league schedule. Playing four of the last five matches away, practically every three days, is draining. It only adds to players’ fatigue.”
He added,
“We should find a weekend for the All-Star Game and allow teams adequate rest afterward. Right now, just 48 hours after the match, some teams are back in action, which doesn’t give players sufficient recovery time. If football is to belong to the players, then we must prioritize their well-being; a game without players isn’t much of a game at all.”
Since February, Inter Miami has been involved in several tournaments, including the MLS regular season, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and a stint in the Club World Cup. As a result, Mascherano pointed out that his team has played the most games among MLS clubs this term.
