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. “They don’t understand the decision,” owner Jorge Mas said Friday of the one-game suspensions.

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 league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match,” MLS said in a statement.