The former MLS defender has criticized the Herons for their rotation policy of resting stars such as Messi, Suarez
Lalas emphasizes fans pay a premium to see MessiQuestions fairness, calls it disrespectful to other teamsHe also touches upon Sebastian Berhalter’s recent formGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
With Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba not in the lineup against FC Dallas, it had many fans disappointed especially as the Herons ended up losing 4-3. This included former USMNT star Alexi Lalas, as he voiced strong disapproval of Inter Miami's decision to rest several star players during recent home fixtures despite them being fit. The former MLS star took issue with what he perceives as a pattern of selective availability, especially when fans are paying premium prices to watch them play.
“Yeah. So there's part of me, I try to put myself in the shoes of an Inter Miami season ticket holder, right. You you pay to see this team,” Lalas said on his podcast. “You pay to see this team that has been sold to you in every sense of the word on a consistent basis for the stars that they have obviously Messi and and and company."
He added, “So this is your home stadium. You go out and you see this team and it bears very little resemblance to what the full team is. And I'm not saying that there isn't moments where players are going to have to rest. We've even seen Messi at times rest because of whatever injury he may have or just be being tired.
“I get that. But I do think that Inter Miami, you have a responsibility when you are playing, certainly when you're playing at home and more so when you are playing at home, to give the people what they have paid their money for.”
Lalas also expanded on how disrespectful it was towards FC Dallas and how the away side made them pay for that.
“And that is a quality team. And maybe they thought that they could find a way past Dallas with this different version of the team and a lesser version of the team. But that's disrespectful to a team like Dallas, and Dallas made them pay, and you sent everybody home saying this was not worthy of our best quality,” Lalas continued.
“And what does that say to somebody who is going to hope is going to continue to buy season tickets? Oh, and by the way, continue to buy season tickets when Messi is no longer there in the future.”
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The former USMNT defender also opened up on Vancouver Whitecaps star Sebastian Berhalter and his form this season, asserting that he could do a job for the USMNT. Lalas did add that while Berhalter won’t be a flashy star or a game-changer, he’ll offer something consistent that Pochettino needs.
“Yeah,” Lalas said when asked if Sebastian Berhalter deserves a call up. “So it's relative to where we are right now. And I think you would agree with me that there is consternation out there and there is concern. And as we said, we've used the word apathy out there when it comes to this national team. What that means is there is opportunity. There's opportunity for change.
He added, "But when we start to see, you know, the Brian Whites and in this case this question was about Sebastian Berhalter. Sebastian Berhalter, speaking of players that have improved from year to year, this is a guy who has done so, and is he flashy? No. Is he even a game changer when it comes to potentially here with the national team? No. But I think he's worth a flyer on for Mauricio Pochettino coming into this summer for the Gold Cup with the understanding that ultimately you're going to be judged next summer in the actual World Cup."
“But there is a question as to do you have the right collection of players? It's not the best players, it's the best collection of players, and who knows, maybe someone like Sebastian comes in and is just simple and is predictable in the most positive sense and provides Pochettino with something that's not sexy but gets the results that you need. And I think that from a Pochettino perspective, if there is to be success next summer, it's not going to be in a romantic version. It's not going to be sexy.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The controversy highlights the unique challenges MLS faces as it accommodates aging global superstars while maintaining competitive balance. Inter Miami's handling of its star-studded roster, which includes Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, has become a focal point for discussions about competitive integrity, fan expectations, and the league's evolving approach to marquee players amid a congested schedule.
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
Following their 4-3 loss to FC Dallas, Inter Miami remain fifth on the Eastern Conference table after their first loss of the season with 18 points. They trail conference leaders FC Cincinnati (22) by four points and face the Vancouver Whitecaps next on April 30 in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup semi-final with a 2-0 aggregate lead in favour of the Whitecaps.