Inter Miami Blasts MLS for 'Draconian' Suspension of Lionel Messi
Inter Miami Blasts MLS for 'Draconian' Suspension of Lionel Messi
Inter Miami, the newest addition to the MLS, is facing a major setback with the suspension of their star players Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain. The team is furious with the decision, calling it 'draconian' and unfair. This suspension comes at a crucial time in the season, with Inter Miami battling for a playoff spot.
The Controversy
The suspension of Messi and Higuain has sparked controversy among fans and analysts alike. Many argue that the decision was made in haste, without considering the impact on the team and the league. Inter Miami's owner, David Beckham, has also voiced his disappointment with the decision, stating that it undermines the integrity of the league.
The Impact
The suspension of two key players has put Inter Miami in a tough spot. Without Messi and Higuain, the team's chances of making it to the playoffs are significantly reduced. This decision also reflects poorly on the MLS, as it raises questions about the league's policies and fairness. Moreover, the absence of these star players will also affect the overall quality of the league and its competitiveness.
About the People Mentioned
David Beckham
David Beckham is a retired English professional footballer born on May 2, 1975, in London, England. He began his senior career with Manchester United in 1992, where he became renowned for his exceptional crossing, free kicks, and set-piece abilities. During his time at Manchester United, Beckham won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in the 1998–99 season, contributing to the club’s historic continental treble[1][4][7]. In 2003, Beckham transferred to Real Madrid, where he added a La Liga title to his achievements while playing alongside other football legends. He then moved to the United States in 2007, joining LA Galaxy and helping the club secure two MLS Cup titles in 2011 and 2012. Beckham also had brief loan spells at AC Milan and finished his playing career with Paris Saint-Germain, winning Ligue 1 in 2013[1][2][3]. Internationally, Beckham earned 115 caps for England from 1996 to 2009, scoring 17 goals. He captained the national team for six years and was the first English player to score in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (1998, 2002, 2006). His leadership was highlighted by a crucial penalty against Argentina in the 2002 World Cup round of 16[2]. Post-retirement, Beckham has remained influential in football and beyond. He co-owns the Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF, fulfilling a long-held ambition. He is also involved in media production through his content studio, Studio 99, which creates documentaries and commercial content for major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, Beckham has been a global ambassador for several major brands and engages in charitable endeavors[3]. Beckham’s legacy combines sporting success, cultural impact, and ongoing contributions to football and media.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Inter Miami
Inter Miami CF, officially Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, is a professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS), based in South Florida and currently playing home matches at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with plans to relocate to the new Miami Freedom Park in 2026[1][2]. The club was established as the second attempt to bring top-tier soccer to Miami after the Miami Fusion folded in 2002, and began MLS play in 2020—an inaugural season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited fan attendance and resulted in an early playoff exit[1]. Owned by a high-profile group including soccer legend David Beckham and businessmen Jorge and Jose Mas, Inter Miami was designed to be both a local and international brand, reflecting the diverse, aspirational spirit of Miami itself[1][3]. The club’s branding—featuring pink, black, and white colors, and a logo with herons and a rising sun—visually connects with the region’s culture and identity[1]. From a business and technology perspective, Inter Miami’s rapid ascent is a case study in leveraging star power and digital engagement. The club’s international profile skyrocketed in 2023 with the signing of Lionel Messi, one of soccer’s greatest players, which dramatically increased global interest, merchandise sales, and ticket demand[1][2]. Messi’s arrival, alongside other high-profile signings like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, transformed the club into a global soccer brand virtually overnight[2]. On the field, Inter Miami’s key achievements include winning the 2023 Leagues Cup (their first major trophy) and securing the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, which qualified them as hosts for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup[2]. These successes have elevated the club’s estimated value to $1.2 billion as of 2025
MLS
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, established in 1996 following the U.S.'s successful bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Its creation aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of soccer in North America by providing a top-tier competitive platform[2][4][5]. MLS began with ten teams and has expanded significantly, now comprising 29 clubs (26 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada) with a 30th team, based in San Diego, set to join in 2025[1]. The league is structured into Eastern and Western conferences, with each team playing 34 regular-season games. Teams earn three points for a win and one point for a draw, similar to international standards[1]. A unique feature of MLS is its *single-entity structure*, where the league centrally owns all teams and player contracts. Investors purchase the rights to operate teams but must adhere to league-wide salary and player acquisition rules, such as the Designated Player Rule, which allows teams to sign high-profile international stars outside the salary cap[3]. This structure has helped ensure financial stability and competitive balance. MLS has been instrumental in raising soccer’s profile in North America by attracting international stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Hristo Stoichkov, which boosted the league's credibility and fan interest[2][4]. The league also hosts an annual All-Star Game featuring its best players competing against international clubs, providing global exposure[1]. Key achievements include the successful expansion of teams, the establishment of soccer-specific stadiums, and the development of youth academies that promote local talent. MLS continues to grow as a business and sports entity, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm for soccer in the U.S. and Canada, making it a significant player in the global sports and technology landscape today[4][6].