Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shakpa Hislop has supported the MLS's verdict to ban Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for one match. The Argentine forward and Alba were picked in the MLS All-Star team for the high-profile game against Liga MX All Stars, but did not participate in the game.
Strict action from MLS
As per MLS rules, if a player does not participate without any proper medical reason will have to face a one-match ban. Messi and Alba have been suspended for Inter Miami's crucial tie against Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26. The decision has created a protest from Inter Miami fans.
Surprisingly, Shakpa Hislop believes that the decision taken by MLS is absolutely correct.
"I don't think Lionel Messi cares as much as me If I’m being honest. But here’s the thing, from Don Garber’s statement, if this is a long-standing policy, then it has to apply to everybody else including Lionel Messi. But here’s the issue with it, who does this really impact in terms of that one-game suspension?" said Hislop.
"And the answer to that is, I don’t know which game it’s going to be, but if it’s an away game, whoever that team is will see a significant drop in expected attendance. That is who it’s going to impact," Shakpa Hislop added.
However, Hislop believes that Messi's absence will not affect Inter Miami against Cincinnati, and backed them to qualify for the LS playoffs this season.
“It doesn’t bother Lionel Messi, it doesn’t bother Jordi Alba, it doesn’t bother Javier Mascherano. We are talking about an Inter Miami team that are currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, they have three games in hand on Cincinnati, who are at the top and are only just seven points ahead of them," said Hislop.
"Inter Miami are going to make the playoffs. Messi and Alba missing one game is not going to impact Inter Miami’s chances of reaching the playoffs. It is not going to impact anything Inter Miami related, unless it’s a home game. But even then, you have season ticket holders,” he added.
MLS All-stars defeated Liga MX All Stars 3-1 on Thursday, July 24.
According to Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, Lionel Messi is not happy with the suspension. The Argentine forward has produced 24 goals from just 29 games this season for Miami.
"Leo Messi is very upset. I hope it doesn’t have a long-term impact. Will it have an impact on Messi’s perception of the league and it’s rules? Without a doubt," said Mas.
Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami will expire at the end of this year, he is yet to agree to an extension.