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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lionel Messi MLS All-Star Game debacle is ugly own goal for everybody
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Major League Soccer experienced the worst week in their two years together, collectively mishandling his 2025 All-Star Game absence. Messi and Jordi Alba were disciplined by MLS commissioner Don Garber for skipping the All-Star Game, causing them to miss a marquee matchup against first-place FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26. Soccer fans won't see Messi, the 2024 MLS MVP, on a grand stage against Cincinnati's Evander, a rising Brazilian who captained the MLS All-Stars in Messi's place and is in the conversation with him for 2025 MVP. Instead, there will be numerous shots of Messi stewing in an on-field suite, likely sitting next to Inter Miami's newest signee, Argentina World Cup-winning teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The situation marks lowest point of the Messi era in this the league's 30th season – all while he's been in ongoing contract negotiations to continue his career with Inter Miami. 'He's very upset,' Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said of Messi during a Zoom press conference. 'I'm hopeful it doesn't have an impact long term.' Messi, Inter Miami and MLS should have collectively agreed on him missing the All-Star Game. Garber could have granted Messi an excused absence. And Messi should be on the pitch Saturday doing what he does best. This matter should have been resolved before All-Star Week, offering the spotlight to the MLS players who played in the showcase instead of the shadow cast by Messi's whereabouts and whether he would be disciplined. 'I hope they respect the decision I made, and I understand they're going to be disappointed by that decision,' Garber told USA TODAY Sports. 'I hope that Leo's commitment to our league, and the journey he's been on and we've been on growing Major League Soccer is as important to him going forward as it has been in the past.' What went wrong? There was miscommunication from a series of phone calls exchanged between Inter Miami and MLS. There was no formal meeting on the matter, or a request from the club for Messi to miss the All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. Mas spoke to the league on July 21 and 22, while some around the league expected Messi and Alba to show the day of the All-Star Game on July 23. Mas believed Messi would be exempt from attending – and the one-game suspension – because of his workload. Messi played every minute in 22 of 23 matches since April 2, logging more than 2,000 minutes during the span. His last game off was April 27. He recently set an MLS record scoring two goals in five straight matches, and six of his last seven in the regular season. 'Load management is on Lionel Messi,' Mas said. 'When he steps on the pitch, he will step off when the final whistle blows.' The All-Star Game fell four days after Messi completed nine matches in 35 days, which included representing MLS on a global stage in the FIFA Club World Cup. Inter Miami didn't want Messi and Alba to travel to Texas, following road trips to face Cincinnati and the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey, with their second match with Cincinnati starting another stretch of 10 games in 34 days. 'He's played more games than any player this year, and their schedule has him wanting to take a break. It was based on his commitment to his club, and I understand and respect his decision,' Garber said. 'But we have a long-standing policy that is related to All-Star participation for all players. And unfortunately, I had to enforce the policy. It was a difficult decision to make.' The MLS All-Star policy was first initiated in 2015 after players used 'phantom injuries' to avoid the exhibition in previous years. Zlatan Ibrahimović was suspended when he played for the LA Galaxy for skipping the event in 2018, criticizing the rule at the time for being 'ridiculous.' Messi missing the All-Star Game, however, is a different story. 'From the league's perspective, this is really frustrating,' analyst and former U.S. men's national team star Landon Donovan said on social media. 'You have your best player. Your partners want him there. The owners want him there. The sponsors want him there. The fans want him there. The other guys on the MLS All-Star team want the chance to play with Messi. That's a dream for them. So, this becomes a really challenging situation.' Lionel Messi is 'different' for MLS Messi isn't entirely blameless in this, either. He could have jumped on a plane for the day, signed autographs and posed for photos with fellow players, waved at the fans, and even played a half so MLS could have a moment to celebrate having him in the league. But Messi has done everything asked of him since he joined MLS in July 2023 – outside of playing in this All-Star Game, of course. 'Obviously, Lionel Messi is Lionel Messi. He is different. He has completely changed the economics of this league for every single club, every team, every sponsor, the league, media, etc.,' Mas said. 'He's important … But at the end of the day, league corporate sponsors are already taking advantage of Lionel Messi's presence in the league.' Messi has the best-selling jersey around the world and brought international attention to MLS. He's provided awe-inspiring highlight plays and historic moments that make you wonder "how is this guy still doing this at 38 years old?" Mas said Inter Miami's Club World Cup loss to UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain was viewed globally by more than 30 million people. 'I know Leo Messi loves this league. I don't think there's been a player, or frankly just about anyone, who has done for MLS than Leo Messi has,' Garber said. 'His games are special moments. Every one of them is a must-see match, and it's that commitment what he does on the field that makes this decision so complicated.' Messi stayed in Miami this week while his wife and three sons went to Italy on vacation. He practiced Friday, thinking he would be able to play against Cincinnati. After practice, Messi reunited with De Paul on Inter Miami's training fields. Then, he signed hundreds of autographs and posed for photos with kids attending Inter Miami's summer camp before he received Garber's decision. 'This whole Messi MLS All-Star game mess was avoidable,' analyst and former U.S. men's national team standout Alexi Lalas said on social media. 'Now, he can have a rest.'
News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
'Hope It Doesn't Have Long-Term Impact': Inter Miami Co-Owner Reveals Messi 'Upset' With Suspension
Last Updated: Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were handed a one-game suspension and will sit out Miami's game against FC Cincinnati on Sunday due to the duo missing the All-Star game. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas revealed that MLS's decision to suspend superstar Lionel Messi and teammate Jordi Alba for a game due to their absence from the All-Star fixture has upset the Argentine superstar. Messi and Alba were handed a one-game suspension and will sit out Miami's game against FC Cincinnati on Sunday due to the duo missing the All-Star game. 'Leo Messi is very upset. I hope it doesn't have a long-term impact," Mas said following the league's decision to slap the one-game suspension. Mas, who seeks to extend Messi's stay on American soil beyond the conclusion of his current contract, set to run out by the end of the year, hoped that the decision does not have a lasting impact on the World Cup-winner's perception of the league. 'Will it have an impact on Messi's perception of the league and it's rules? Without a doubt," Mas continued.. 'Lionel is different from everyone else. He wants to participate in competitive matches," he added highlighting Messi's elite status. MLS commissioner Don Garber acknowledged that Inter Miami's schedule was unlike any other side in the league due to their participation in the revamped edition of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. 'Miami has had a schedule that is unlike any other team," Garber said. 'Most of our teams had a 10-day break. Miami hasn't. So we have to manage through that as a league," he added. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano opined that he'd prefer for the players to get a bit of rest amid the pacey schedule, but added that the decision was out of his hands. 'The players are called up. I'd prefer they rest, but it's not my decision," Mascherano said. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Inter Miami blasts MLS for ‘draconian' suspension of Lionel Messi
Inter Miami CF is furious about the suspension of two key players. Both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will be forced to miss one game after sitting out of the MLS All-Star Game, and the club's co-owner, Jorge Mas, did not hold back when talking about how Inter Miami felt about the punishment. 3 Jorge Mas Santos, owner of Inter Miami CF looks on prior to the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Getty Images 'Lionel Messi is very upset, like we all are in the club, with the fact that they won't be able to play tomorrow night. But I think what we have to do as a club is to get together as one, have an attitude that is us against the world,' Mas said at a news conference Friday. Inter Miami confirmed that the players did not decide to sit out the game but that the club made the call due to the number of games that were played in quick succession. The team played nine games in just 36 days. 'I think that the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian,' Mas said. Inter Miami will face off against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, the best team in the Eastern Conference. 3 Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) warms up before the match against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 'Obviously, it was not a positive reaction [from Messi and Alba],' Mas said. 'They want to compete, they want to play games. That's what they're here for — to play and win. They understand the magnitude of tomorrow night's game.' The club said that if it finds itself in the same predicament again next year, the decision would not change, and they would rest whoever is an all-star at the time. MLS commissioner Don Garber said the league will take 'a hard look at the policy moving forward.' 3 MLS Commissioner Don Garber smiles prior to the 2025 MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas. MLS via Getty Images 'I'm committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve,' Garber added. Despite Messi and Inter Miami currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, they are only six points behind first-place Cincinnati.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Messi and Alba suspended for one match for missing MLS All-Star
LIONEL MESSI has been suspended for one game after sitting out the MLS All-Star Game without prior approval, the league said on Friday. The Inter Miami forward and his teammate, Jordi Alba, did not compete on Wednesday despite not being injured, even though they were included in the All-Star roster. 'Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match,' MLS said in a statement. The suspension will see Messi, the league's main attraction, miss Inter Miami's match against the visiting FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Cincinnati lead the Eastern Conference standings. Messi has scored 18 goals so far this season. 'I know Lionel Messi loves this league. I don't think there's a player - or anyone - who has done more for Major League Soccer than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision,' MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. 'Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.' All-Star competitions are a mainstay of North American sports, where the men's 'Big Four' leagues use the exhibitions to boost their players' profiles, but a rarity in professional soccer. 'We're going to take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I'm committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve,' said Garber. Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas described both players as 'consummate professionals' who were 'extremely upset' about the suspensions. He explained that the club made the decision for the players to miss the All-Star game to prioritize their rest and health during a demanding stretch of matches. Mas strongly criticized the rule, calling it 'draconian.' 'The ones that get penalized are the club, the fans, sponsors, Apple TV, and so on,' Mas told reporters during a conference call on Friday. 'I expressed our disagreement with the league's decision, and I had conversations with the commissioner both this morning and late last night,' he said. 'But notwithstanding that, the decision is what it is.' Mas added that there was no appeals process available. - REUTERS
New York Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Vineyard views: Explore Spain's prestigious Priorat wine region from this high-design hotel
Like a robust bottle of red from Spain's Tarragona province, Gran Hotel Mas d'En Bruno is known for its unique character and high quality. The glamorous five-star retreat is set on a historic estate in Priorat, Catalonia's ruggedly beautiful and seemingly untouched winemaking region. From its gastronomic restaurant poised to earn a Michelin star to the wine-bottle-shaped infinity pool looking out onto rolling vineyards and majestic mountains, this hotel honors its terroir – and you don't need to be an oenophile to appreciate its elevated taste level. American-born, Mallorca-based hotelier and developer David Stein, chairman and CEO of The Stein Group, visited the rustic property in 2019 and was hooked. After the acquisition, the hotel underwent a meticulous renovation and opened in 2023. It joined the esteemed Relais & Châteaux association that same year. 13 The former 18th-century farmhouse and atelier were transformed into a luxury boutique hotel. Michelle Chaplow 13 A Ben Jakober clock ringed with books has pride of place in the dramatic double-height lobby. Michelle Chaplow The land has an impressive vintage – it was gifted by Carthusian monks to the namesake Bruno family in 1797 – and a scenic location. Just two hours from Barcelona by car, it's perfect for a weekend getaway from the city; a hiking, rock climbing or e-biking holiday in the nearby Serra de Montsant Natural Park (the Grand Canyon of Spain); or a viniculture tour of the local wineries. 13 The amphitheater with a fire pit looks out over the magnificent Priorat vineyards. Michelle Chaplow 13 The infinity pool also has breathtaking views and is flanked by private cabanas. Courtesy of Mas d'en Bruno Stein tapped Barcelona-based Astet Studio to transform the interiors of the 18th-century farmhouse and the atelier into a high-design haven with modern amenities. The 24 oak-lined suites – split between the two buildings – are decorated in earthy colors and appointed with curved furniture, much of it custom. Each spacious guest room features panoramic vineyard views, beamed ceilings, an incredibly comfortable king-size bed dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets, luxurious red marble baths with soaking tubs and separate rain showers. Most have double-sided fireplaces and private terraces or patios for sunning and sipping local wines from the minibar. 13 Custom-designed curved furniture was created for the rooms, which are all unique. Courtesy of Mas d'en Bruno 13 The spacious Suite Terrace is appointed with a double-sided fireplace and a private terrace. Michelle Chaplow The common spaces are equally elegant. Look closely at the walls, as original works by Marc Chagall, David Hockney, Frank Stella, Christo and other artists are hanging. A sparkly glass 'grape' light fixture by Stein and Astet illuminates a staircase. 13 A spiral staircase leads to the wine cellar, a bespoke space where tastings led by experts are held. Michelle Chaplow The main on-site activity is relaxing. That means taking a dip in the magnificent 98-foot outdoor infinity pool, enjoying a tasting in the spectacular new wine cellar or unwinding in the stone-walled spa. Built in the former wine and olive mill, the latter has a sauna and water circuit with indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, hammam, hot and cold showers. Facial and body treatments using Foosh Beauty – a new eco-correct brand made from grape byproducts – or Natura Bissé are available in the two treatment rooms. 13 The Spa and Wellness area showcases archeological relics from the original wine and olive mill. Michelle Chaplow 13 A yoga class on the outdoor deck is an unbeatable way to start the day. Michelle Chaplow To venture further afield, guests can rent e-bikes from the hotel ($35 for four hours with helmet and lock) or an electric Mini Cooper ($80 for a half day) and explore surrounding towns like Siurana, a charming clifftop village with the ruins of an Arabian castle, or the 12th-century Carthusian monastery of Escaladei. The hotel will also set up bike tours with certified guides, helicopter tours and other experiences. And of course there are dozens of wineries in the region to book, including Clos de l'Obac and Atavus. After all that sightseeing, it's time to indulge in a superb meal. Dinner with wine pairings here is well worth pausing a diet – and not just for one night, but for the duration of a stay. 13 Vinum is helmed by Josep Queralt, the Catalan chef who trained at five of Spain's Michelin-starred restaurants. Michelle Chaplow 13 Vinum offers three outstanding tasting menus and à la carte options showcasing local ingredients. Courtesy of Mas d'en Bruno During the day, Tarraco serves colorful Mediterranean fare with a Catalan touch poolside, perhaps accompanied by a refreshing cocktail from Bruno's Bar. At night, Vinum is the place to be. The restaurant is helmed by Josep Queralt, the gifted 29-year-old Catalan chef who trained at five of Spain's Michelin-starred restaurants, including Cambrils' Can Bosch and Girona's El Celler de Can Roca. His three tasting menus and à la carte options celebrate Catalonia's culinary legacy. 13 Bruno's Bar serves craft cocktails and an extensive selection of wines. Michelle Chaplow 13 An al fresco meal at Mas d'en Bruno is magical. Courtesy of Mas d'en Bruno This year, Catalonia was designated The World Region of Gastronomy by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism. To celebrate the honor, Queralt devised Sent Soví, a special tasting menu inspired by the area's medieval cookbook. His Vinum menu includes creatively flavorful dishes like wild pork civet from Priorat with beet romesco and homemade brioche, complemented by award-winning wines from the Tarragona region selected by the head sommelier. As food and wine connoisseurs like to say, what grows together, goes together. Rates from $435 at at
