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)

FORT LAUDERDALE — The first few minutes of Javier Mascherano’s introductory news conference as Inter Miami coach on Tuesday were rough. He was coughing, struggling to get words out and needed ...

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 will have a week off until their next MLS game, which is on July 26 at Chase Stadium. The Herons are still in the battle for the top positions in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield table.

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.