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New Delhi: Argentine star Lionel Messi is "extremely upset" about his one-game suspension for missing Major League Soccer's All-Star game earlier this week. His teammate Jordi Alba also received a one-match ban.
Both the stars missed MLS All-Stars' 3-1 win against the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday in Austin, Texas. They were selected by the fans and media but neither player appeared.
Now, as per the long lasting league rules the two have been handed one-game suspension for players as they missed the match without prior permission, making both unavailable for Miami's match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said about Messi's response, “He’s very upset, extremely upset today, as expected. 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.”
He further added that the two want to compete but they need to understand the magnitude of Saturday's game. Mas said that the reaction was exactly that one can expect from two competitive players who don't understand the decision.
Mas said, “The rule is what it is, but they don’t understand it. ... I think that the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian.”
So far Messi has scored 18 goals in as many appearances for Javier Mascherano's side in the MLS this season while Alba has featured in 19 matches.
Rodrigo De Paul is set for a new chapter in his career, joining Inter Milan from Atletico Madrid. The Argentina midfielder heads to the Serie A giants on an initial loan deal for the 2025 season. Inter also hold an option to make the move permanent which would keep him at the club until 2029.
De Paul leaves Atletico after four solid years, where he made 187 appearances, scored 14 goals and provided 26 assists. Known for his energy and versatility in midfield, he was a key part of Diego Simeone's squad during his time in Spain.
Internationally, De Paul has been a mainstay in Argentina’s midfield. He has earned 78 caps and played a crucial role in the country's recent golden run, winning the Copa America twice, the Finalissima, and most notably, lifting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His experience and winning mentality will now bolster Inter's midfield as they push for more domestic and European success.
