Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano addressed the controversial suspensions handed to Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for missing the MLS All-Star Game. While both players were left out of the showcase due to fatigue and fixture congestion,

Inter Miami returns to Chase Stadium, where this Saturday they will host FC Cincinnati, the current leader of the Eastern Conference of the MLS, and a rival that just 10 days ago the team led by

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano criticized MLS' decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday's 0-0 draw at home against FC Cincinnati for failing to participate in the All-Star Game, questioning whether the same ruling would have been made if Miami had instead been playing a road game.

Inter Miami played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw without the suspended Lionel Messi on Saturday night. Messi was not available after he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping the All-Star game. Messi was still in attendance on Saturday, watching from a suite at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has reported that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will join the group training later this week.

Lionel Messi’s absence from the MLS All-Star Game raised questions about his health, but Inter Miami FC coach Javier Mascherano has put those concerns to