Former US soccer player Alexi Lalas believes that Major League Soccer should have imposed a harsher penalty on Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi for missing the MLS All-Star Game. Messi received a one-match suspension for not participating in the game against Liga MX All-Stars last week. In response to this situation, Lalas dismissed the notion that Messi is being unfairly treated, highlighting the obligations and expectations that come with being the top star of the league. “It’s interesting how this has been managed and the reactions it has sparked,” Lalas stated on his State of the Union podcast. Many of us have participated in or have watched All-Star games, which have become a notable event across various sports. While it’s common for us to think this way, I must point out that currently portraying Messi as a saint engaged in a noble battle against the supposed flaws of MLS and its format, or against the idea of an MLS All-Star game, seems somewhat extravagant and quite absurd. He completed and signed the agreement. He was aware that participating in the All-Star game was included in his contract. He understood the guidelines… “Therefore, Messi, it’s time for you to mature.” Your participation is required. If you didn’t wish to participate in the All-Star game, you had the opportunity to negotiate that point when you were signing your contract.
