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.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been suspended for Inter Miami's crucial match against FC Cincinnati after missing this week's All-Star Game.

The reason why Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba have been suspended for their club’s next MLS fixture has been revealed. The pair will be suspended for their next game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday after missing Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game against Mexico’s Liga MX without approval from the league.