Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba decided to skip playing in the Major League’s All-Star game earlier this week, a decision that got them banned from their next match against FC Cincinnati. The Inter Miami co-owner, Jorge Mas, said Messi is “extremely upset” after being issued a one-game suspension, a measure the team official labelled “draconian,” according to ESPN. “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,” said Mas to news reporters on Friday. “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.” The MLS statement Messi and Alba will be unavailable for the team’s game against MLS Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on Saturday, as MLS rules state that any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior authorisation from the league is ineligible to compete in his club’s next match. “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 on Friday. The MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in that same statement that, “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.” However, Garber explained the US league has a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game. “We had to enforce it. It was a very difficult decision.” The rule will be reviewed On a positive note for Messi, Garber said the MLS would “take a hard look at the policy moving forward. I’m committed to working with our players to determine how the rule should evolve.” Mas said he believes “the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian.” Mas said. “Obviously, it was not a positive reaction [from Messi and Alba]. 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 Saturday’s (July 26th) game.” Mas said Messi’s and Jordi’s reaction was no surprise. “They don’t understand the decision.” Inter Miami won the All-Star match 3-1 against Mexico’s Liga MX all-star team in a game played in Austin, Texas