Lionel Messi 'extremely upset' with MLS after suspension

"Lionel Messi is extremely upset," said Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas in a news conference on Friday. "I'm hopeful it doesn't have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact on (Messi's) perception on the league and its rules? Absolutely, no doubt."

Messi cited fatigue in a report by ESPN's Lizzy Becherano as his reasoning for skipping the All-Star Game, while Jordi Alba cited a "knock" that he endured in Inter Miami's final game before the break against the New York Red Bulls. 

One of Mas' key points in his news conference defending Messi and Alba was the choice they were forced to make between playing competitive games or playing in a showcase game.

"It's a bad rule because it forces players to choose between an exhibition match and a regular-season game," said Mas. "I commend Jordi and Lionel for putting the team first."

So far this season, Messi has missed just three matches out of Inter Miami's 21 on the season. He has scored 18 goals and 10 assists. The goals co-lead the league with Sam Surridge from Nashville FC, and he's tied for fourth in the league in assists.

But the on-field stats do not compare to what Messi has done for MLS in terms of global recognition and viewership. For one example of multiple different measurement figures, his arrival in the league has sparked a 17% revenue increase in league partnerships, according to Fortune.

That's what leads me to lean toward abolishing a one-game suspension rule for all players who skip the All-Star Game. Obviously, the league does not want to open the doors for all players to skip the game at their will, but is it worth it to upset two of your league's top players, one of whom is considered a "Mount Rushmore" soccer player? That doesn't seem worth it.

Sure, Messi probably disappointed some people by not playing in the game. But he didn't do it to hop on a private jet and party in Cabo, he did it to rest up and play the back half of the season. That does not seem suspension-worthy.

As Inter Miami's season moves along, it seems teams treat him similarly to how WNBA teams are viewed playing Caitlin Clark. It's not the "Minnesota Lynx facing the Indiana Fever," but rather "Minnesota's turn to see Caitlin Clark." When Clark or Messi are in your town, you just have to see them.

That would be the case Saturday for FC Cincinnati against Messi, but he won't be playing. And, Cincinnati is the top team in the league facing an all-time talent. It would have been appointment viewing.

So, it seems that Messi and the club are upset; viewership and attendance won't be as high for a regular-season game, and fans are upset with how the league handled business. Seems like a rule change might be in order next summer to avoid this situation in the future, or at least it should be.