The recent controversy surrounding Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba’s absence from Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati highlights a deeper, systemic issue within Major League Soccer: poor scheduling that disregards player health and welfare. The league’s decision to sanction players for skipping the All-Star Game, which they were invited to and voted into by fans and media, reveals a rigid approach that prioritizes spectacle over integrity. This rigidity is symptomatic of a broader problem—the failure to align tournament and match schedules with players’ physical and mental needs.
Scheduling a midweek All-Star event in the middle of a congested season cannot be justified as beneficial for the sport or its athletes. It feeds into a misguided belief that the show must go on regardless of player fatigue, increasing the risk of injuries and burnout. Mascherano’s comments about player discomfort and the wear and tear from playing multiple matches in close succession are well-founded, yet the league’s response remains dismissive. Instead of adjusting the calendar to accommodate players, MLS stubbornly adheres to a calendar packed with back-to-back games, which only exacerbates the problem.
The league’s inefficiency in prioritizing player health signals a lack of strategic foresight and respect for the athletes’ well-being. The decision to penalize Messi and Alba, despite their genuine fatigue and recent minor injuries, exemplifies an outdated mentality where the spectacle takes precedence over sustainable player management. This approach not only damages individual player careers but also impacts the quality of matches for fans who deserve to see athletes perform at their best.
Leadership Failures and the Need for Structural Change
MLS commissioner Don Garber’s comments about rushing “seismic” calendar shifts demonstrate a level of complacency that is incompatible with modern sports management. Labeling these issues as “seismic” indicates awareness but not urgency. The league’s reluctance or inability to adapt its schedule reflects a leadership failure—one that undervalues both player welfare and long-term league reputation.
Furthermore, the league’s stance suggests a narrow view rooted in capital and entertainment rather than the development of a sustainable sport. The insistence on playing multiple away games within a few weeks, combined with an ill-timed All-Star event, underscores a shortsighted pursuit of immediate revenue at the cost of athlete sustainability and competitive integrity.
In addition, the league must acknowledge that football, like any professional sport, is fundamentally about the players. Ignoring signs of fatigue and pushing athletes into high-stakes tournaments amid congested schedules sets a dangerous precedent. The consequences extend beyond individual injuries—they threaten the league’s long-term credibility and fan engagement if top players are consistently burnt out or sidelined due to poor scheduling.
Rethinking the Role of All-Star Events
The All-Star Game, ideally, should be a celebration of the league’s talent and a fan engagement tool. Yet, its current placement disrupts the rhythm of the season, making it more of a burden than a benefit. Mascherano’s remarks about events being scheduled without regard for players’ well-being or the season’s flow are illustrative of this disconnect. The event’s timing during a critical stretch of fixtures, especially when players are still recovering from recent matches, reveals poor planning and a lack of respect for the athletes’ health.
A reimagined approach could involve scheduling All-Star festivities during breaks or in windows explicitly set aside for exhibition events, thereby reducing strain on players and maintaining competitive integrity. Moreover, clubs and leagues need to collaborate more effectively, creating a calendar that respects the physical limits of the athletes and allows for optimal performance and recovery.
Ultimately, the league must recognize that moving toward a player-centric model is not just ethical but strategic. Healthy, rested players produce higher quality matches, generate more fan interest, and bolster the league’s reputation globally. By abandoning punitive measures against players who prioritize their health and shifting toward a sustainable schedule, MLS can demonstrate leadership and respect for its core assets—its athletes.
The issues highlighted by Messi and Alba’s suspension should serve as a wake-up call. MLS has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to overhaul its approach, prioritizing both the health of its players and the integrity of its competitions. Failure to do so risks alienating fans and diminishing the sport’s growth potential in one of the world’s most competitive markets. Time for MLS to lead with vision and genuine care for the athletes who make the league’s dreams possible.