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
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, born June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, known for his prolific goal-scoring, playmaking, and dribbling skills.[1][2] He has scored over 890 senior career goals and provided more than 400 assists, holding records as Barcelona's all-time top scorer (672 goals), La Liga's leading scorer (474 goals), and Argentina's national team record holder.[2][3][4] Messi debuted for FC Barcelona's first team in 2004 at age 17, becoming the youngest La Liga goal scorer at the time, and rose to prominence by helping the club achieve the first Spanish treble in 2008-09.[1][2] Over 17 years with Barcelona, he won a club-record 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Reys, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles, while earning a record eight Ballon d'Or awards (2009-2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).[1][2][3][5] He set numerous records, such as 91 goals in 2012 (Guinness World Record) and most Champions League goals for a single club.[3][4][5] Financial issues forced his departure from Barcelona in 2021, leading to a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won two Ligue 1 titles.[1][2][4] In July 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, transforming the club by leading them to their first MLS Cup in 2025 and securing back-to-back MVP awards in 2024 and 2025.[1][2] Internationally, after early struggles, Messi captained Argentina to end a 28-year trophy drought with the 2021 Copa América (Golden Ball winner), followed by the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory (Golden Ball) and a record 16th Copa América title in 2024.[1][2][4] These feats cemented his legacy as Argentina's most decorated player and a global icon.[5] As of 2026, at age 38, he remains active and influential in MLS and with Argentina.[1][2]
Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín, born December 10, 1987, in France to Argentine parents, is a retired Argentine professional footballer renowned as a striker nicknamed "El Pipita" or "Pipa" for his prolific goal-scoring, strong physique, and predatory finishing.[1][2] He is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, amassing 279 goals in 530 club appearances across top European and American leagues.[1] Higuaín began his senior career at River Plate in 2005, scoring 13 goals in 35 games before transferring to Real Madrid in January 2007 for €12 million.[1][2] There, he won three La Liga titles and netted 107 goals in 190 matches, establishing himself as a top European forward.[1] In 2013, he joined Napoli for £34.5 million, securing the Coppa Italia in his debut season and setting a Serie A single-season record with 36 goals in 2015–16.[1] Juventus signed him in 2016 for a then-record £75.3 million fee; he claimed two Serie A titles, two Coppa Italias, and reached the 2017 Champions League final.[1] Loan spells followed at AC Milan (2018–19, 6 goals in 15 games) and Chelsea (2019, 5 goals in 14 games, winning the UEFA Europa League).[1] Internationally, Higuaín earned 75 caps for Argentina, scoring 31 goals (fifth all-time), and finished as runner-up at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, plus Copa América in 2015 and 2016.[1][5] He joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer in 2020, scoring 29 goals in 67 appearances before retiring from playing in 2022.[1] Currently, Higuaín works in player development for Inter Miami, maintaining relevance in the sport post-retirement.[2] Across his career, he secured six European league titles in La Liga and Serie A.[2]
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].
