The owner of Inter Miami called Major League Soccer's suspension of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for skipping the All-Star Game a “draconian” punishment.

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas vigorously defended stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for missing Wednesday’s All-Star Game and said the league rule requiring a suspension for missing the exhibition needs...

Per MLS rules, any player who doesn't participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match.