'When it’s about selling tickets and filling stadiums, no one complains' - Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano slams Lionel Messi's suspension after 0-0 draw with FC Cincinnati

Inter Miami CF v FC Cincinnati

Both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were handed one-game suspensions for skipping the MLS All-Star Game

Inter Miami CF v FC Cincinnati

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following Inter Miami's 0-0 draw with FC Cincinnati, manager Javier Mascherano criticized MLS for suspending Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba as punishment for skipping the All-Star Game. The Argentine coach questioned the league's handling of the situation - especially since Commissioner Don Garber publicly touted Messi's positive impact on MLS on Wednesday and cited the All-Star duo's heavy workload. Despite that, suspensions came on Friday afternoon.

"You’ve probably heard me say this many times - it’s the example I give my players: focus on what you can control. I have to make the most of the resources I have. I didn’t come here to criticize MLS or its rules. I completely disagree with the decision, but we’ve adapted. We clearly deserved to win, and now we move forward."

Mascherano also strongly believes the suspension wouldn't have happened if Inter Miami played on the road instead of at home.

"I don’t like to speak about other people’s decisions, but it’s strange when something is said one day and the opposite happens the next. Messi has played an enormous number of matches. When it’s about selling tickets or filling stadiums, no one complains. But now that we had a home game, he’s suspended? Would they have done the same if we were playing away? It’s frustrating."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Inter Miami earned a valuable draw against Cincinnati despite missing both Messi and Alba, turning to Luis Suárez to lead the attack. It was a marked improvement from their previous encounter a few weeks ago, when they lost 3-0 on the road.

Head coach Mascherano acknowledged the team’s effort and missed chances.

"We just lacked the finishing touch today. We had five or six really clear chances, and their goalkeeper did well," he said. "We’ve been scoring a lot recently. Of course, Messi wasn’t on the pitch and we felt his absence, but overall the performance was very strong - even though we still have room for improvement."

Mascherano also voiced his frustration with the officiating.

"As for the refereeing… I won’t say much. I think we’re one of the teams that creates the most chances, and after 22 matches, we haven’t been awarded a single penalty. I’ll just leave that out there."

READ MORE: How does MLS move forward from Messi's All-Star absence?

Inter Miami CF v FC Cincinnati

WHAT JAVIER MASCHERANO SAID

Moving on to more positive news for the club, Mascherano couldn't hold back his excitement over the arrival of Rodrigo De Paul.

"Rodrigo De Paul’s signing is historic for our club," he said. "He’s arriving in top form. It shows the club’s ambition to grow, to keep raising the profile of this league -even if it’s often treated unfairly. The club keeps investing and wants to add value to the team and the league. We believe he’ll help us, just as we expect him to."

Inter Miami CF v FC Cincinnati

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

The Herons will make their Leagues Cup group stage debut on Wednesday against Liga MX side Atlas.