Lionel Messi has been sensational throughout the 2025 Major League Soccer season, with 18 goals in 18 games through the midway point of the campaign.
As the league leader in goals, it’s no surprise that the Argentine legend was once again selected to participate in the MLS All-Star game, set to be played on Wednesday, July 23 in Austin, Texas.
As a top draw for the league every single matchday, Messi would be a premium attraction for fans attending the game. However, there are questions about whether Messi will be at the event, as his absence would present a major embarrassment for the league.
The Sporting News brings you the latest information on Messi’s potential presence or absence, and what would be the result if he decides to skip the game.
MORE: All the latest MLS news | All the latest Messi news
Will Lionel Messi play in the 2025 MLS All-Star game?
According to various reports, Lionel Messi was not present for training with the rest of the MLS All-Star squad on Tuesday, the day before the match. Also absent was Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba.
Normally, when a player misses pre-match training one day before the game, it’s a surefire indicator that they will not participate in the upcoming match. However, for a showcase event like the All-Star game, there are much more relaxed rules.
At this point, it’s not known whether Messi will play in the All-Star game. However, fellow all-star participant Diego Luna seemed to indicate that Messi and Alba will both join the squad for the game itself.
#RSL #MLS All-Star Diego Luna was asked if he’s surprised he’s not been able to train with Messi and Alba yet.
“Am I surprised? Maybe a little because they were on the roster. They’ve got their own individual things going on. The cool thing is they get here tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/lHUHvFevaI
— Har Journalist (@HarJournalist) July 22, 2025
Will Messi be suspended for missing the 2025 MLS All-Star game?
According to MLS regulations, any player named to the MLS All-Star team who opts not to participate in the match is required to sit out his club’s next game.
The rule, while not officially a suspension, essentially acts as punishment for players who want to pass on participating in the league’s mid-season showcase.
However, there is one exception. If a player has a medical excuse for being absent, such as an injury, the player is allowed to miss the game without retribution.
If Messi were to skip the game for fitness reasons, he would be allowed to return for Inter Miami’s next match, which comes on Saturday, July 26 at home against FC Cincinnati.
Wait for Hany Mukhtar’s reaction 🤣
Reaction test at #MLSAllStar training. pic.twitter.com/YceXp9Juk1
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2025
Javier Mascherano says Messi should ‘rest’ for MLS All-Star game
Inter Miami head coach made his stance clear on whether Lionel Messi should play in the 2025 MLS All-Star game, and it’s not a terribly surprising opinion.
“I’d like him to rest,” the Inter Miami head coach said in a press conference prior to the All-Star game. “I know how important the All-Star Game is, but as far as I know, the club hasn’t made any formal decision.”
It’s not shocking that Messi’s club coach would prefer his star player to miss an exhibition game, preferring to keep his injury-prone goal scoring whiz healthy. At the end of the day, however, Mascherano has little say in how this eventually plays out.
