Just when you thought the Lionel Messi MLS All-Stars circus was over, Major League Soccer have come up with a new twist in the ever-growing tale. Hours after league commissioner Don Garber refused to make any statement on the Argentine's absence,

The owner of Inter Miami called Major League Soccer's suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for skipping the All-Star Game a “draconian” punishment. “They don't understand the decision,” owner Jorge Mas said Friday of the one-game suspensions.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has confessed he is worried Lionel Messi’s frustrated response to being issued a one-game suspension for missing the All-Star Game could impact the Argentina international’s thoughts on signing a new contract.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba have been suspended after the duo skipped Major League Soccer’s (MLS) All-Star Game earlier this week, the league said Friday (Saturday in Manila). MLS said in a statement Messi and Alba would be unavailable for Saturday’s clash against FC Cincinnati “due to their absence” at this week’s All-Star showpiece.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo aren’t just two of the greatest soccer players of all time; they’re also two of the wealthiest athletes on the planet. Both have amassed incredible fortunes, and their lavish lifestyles reflect their immense success.

If MLS really wants its stars to treat the All-Star Game seriously, then it needs to treat scheduling just as seriously.

Los Angeles FC have reportedly made an offer to a Premier League forward to join Major League Soccer, potentially following the path paved by Lionel Messi. When Lionel Messi announced in July 2023 that he had signed with Inter Miami,

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both in the twilight of their careers, they are compensated handsomely for their global visibility and attraction.