Lionel Messi could QUIT Inter Miami after bizarre MLS suspension

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has admitted that Lionel Messi could leave the club after being slapped with a bizarre suspension from MLS.

Messi has been hit with a one-game ban for league play after he did not participate in the All-Star Game, a clash between the best of MLS and Liga MX.

Although MLS claimed a 3-1 victory thanks to strikes from Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White, the World Cup winner and club-mate Jordi Alba are both suspended for Inter Miami’s next fixture.

MLS confirmed: “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.”

Jorge Mas refused to rule out Messi leaving the club over the issue. The Argentine is out of contract at the end of December and there had previously been doubts expressed over his future.

“He’s very upset, extremely upset, as expected,” Mas told the media.

“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.”

Messi has already played five matches for Inter Miami in July, scoring eight goals, following their Club World Cup exit.

Head coach Javier Mascherano said that the 38-year-old “showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he’s been playing”.

MLS argue: We had to do it

MLS commissioner Don Garber justified the decision, despite expressing admiration for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

He said: “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.”

Now it remains to be seen if MLS can make amends to Messi, who is clearly furious about the bizarre situation.

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