Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has criticized the addition of Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi to the forthcoming 2025 MLS All-Star game, arguing that the players should be resting since it's the middle of the regular season. The game against the best of Liga MX is set for July 23 in Austin, and just two Inter Miami players have been selected for it.

In addition, Alba will compete in the Skills Challenge event, which will take place the day before the game.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba's selection are criticized by Javier Mascherano

Mascherano told journalists, "The players are called up, and I would want them to be able to relax, but that's not my call."

“I am aware of the significance of the All Star [Game], and everything is as usual as far as I can tell—the club has made no decision.”

Additionally, Mascherano lamented the blow that their goalkeeper Oscar Ustari sustained during their midweek game against FC Cincinnati, which caused him to leave the game. "I'm no expert when it comes to injuries," he said. The team has experienced a lot of muscular injuries throughout the season, so it is obvious that it worries me.

"The games we've played, particularly during the past month and a half, have been incredibly intense. However, the team is obviously slowly deteriorating with injuries, so we also need to figure out some explanation, make improvements, and attempt to prevent it.

“Although Ustari was hurt, I'm not sure how long the timeline is. Rocco [Rios Novo] will be the goalkeeper tomorrow, he said, and he won't be playing.

On Saturday night, Miami will play the New York Red Bulls in their third game in seven days. They also competed in the FIFA Club World Cup not long ago, where they were defeated by PSG in the Round of 16.

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