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 ...

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 ...

Mascherano's hire as Inter Miami head coach only strengthens the notion that this is a club tailor-made for Lionel Messi to shine at. MLS. ... Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano will reunite in Miami.

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

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.