ESPN FC’s Stevie Nicol goes nuclear over Lionel Messi suspension

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba of Inter Miami skipped the MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas without receiving prior approval from the league, violating a specific MLS rule that does not allow players to decline invitations or withdraw from the exhibition match without permission. MLS Commissioner Don Garber reaffirmed the league's stance, emphasizing consistent enforcement of rules regardless of a player's stature, leading to Messi receiving a one-game suspension.

ESPN FC analyst Stevie Nicol strongly criticized the suspension, calling it a "needless, self-inflicted wound" and a "joke" for a league trying to grow globally. Nicol argued that Messi has significantly elevated MLS's global profile and relevance, pointing out Inter Miami's Club World Cup qualification was due to Messi. He contended that punishing the league's most important ambassador over a one-off exhibition undermines the progress Messi brought and could damage the relationship, suggesting Messi and Inter Miami might be disinclined to help MLS in the future.

Nicol dismissed the suspension as hypocritical, citing MLS's history of frequently changing or bending its own rules (regarding Designated Players, transfer windows, allocation mechanisms) to suit commercial or competitive agendas. He specifically called out Garber's explanation about enforcing a "longstanding rule" as hollow, stating MLS alters rules "every day of the week" when it benefits them. Nicol concluded that the decision reflects "small-time thinking" and damages the league's pursuit of global legitimacy.

The article notes that both Messi (38) and Alba (36) have had demanding seasons, balancing MLS matches with the FIFA Club World Cup and other competitions, and Messi also played international friendlies for Argentina during the summer.