Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has hit out at the MLS for their decision to suspend Lionel Messi following his no-show at the All-Star game last week.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano criticized MLS' decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday's 0-0 draw at home against FC Cincinnati for failing to participate in the All-Star Game, questioning whether the same ruling would have been made if Miami had instead been playing a road game.

Inter Miami's new head coach Javier Mascherano speaks during an MLS soccer news conference, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Mascherano was initially recruited by the team in August 2019 in what Inter Miami viewed as a two-pronged deal. He would play for the club in 2020, its inaugural season, then take over as a coach ...

Mascherano was initially recruited by the team in August 2019 in what Inter Miami viewed as a two-pronged deal. He would play for the club in 2020, its inaugural season, then take over as a coach ...

The former Barcelona and Argentina teammates will now function in a completely different dynamic: player and coach. Mascherano, 40, was announced as Inter Miami’s new head coach on Tuesday.

Inter Miami's new head coach Javier Mascherano speaks during an MLS soccer news conference, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Credit: AP/Wilfredo Lee

Sergio Aguero says Lionel Messi has “earned the right” to decide when and where he retires, with exit talk raging at MLS side Inter Miami.