Lionel Messi’s absence from the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game has sent shockwaves through the league, exposing a mix of miscommunication and conflicting interests. The incident marred what was supposed to be a star-studded event, instead featuring Messi stewing in an on-field suite, likely sitting next to Inter Miami’s newest signee, Rodrigo De Paul.
The situation marks the lowest point of the Messi era in MLS, with the Argentine superstar currently in ongoing contract negotiations to continue his career with Inter Miami. “He’s very upset,” said Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, while Don Garber, MLS commissioner, acknowledged that Messi’s commitment to the league was key to making this decision.
The problem stemmed from a series of phone calls between Inter Miami and MLS, which failed to result in a formal meeting or request for Messi to miss the All-Star Game. A miscommunication led to a one-game suspension for both Messi and Jordi Alba, depriving fans of a marquee matchup against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26.
Soccer fans will not witness Messi, who was set to captain the MLS All-Stars, on the grand stage against Cincinnati’s Evander. The absence highlights the complexities surrounding player workload and league policies. “Load management is on Lionel Messi,” Mas said, but it seems that everyone involved in this situation bears some responsibility.
The incident has sparked criticism from analysts, including Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas, who stress the importance of having top players like Messi participate in such events. The MLS All-Star policy, initiated in 2015 to combat “phantom injuries,” was meant to promote player commitment but ultimately fell short in this instance.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Messi’s future with Inter Miami and the league as a whole.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2025/07/26/lionel-messi-inter-miami-suspended-mls-all-star/85385752007