Lionel Messi, the global football icon and Inter Miami superstar, has made headlines by missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, sparking debates among fans, analysts, and pundits. ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop recently urged Messi to skip the exhibition match, stating, “The more rest he can get, the better,” citing the 38-year-old’s demanding schedule.
With Messi absent from the matchday roster for the July 23, 2025, clash against Liga MX All-Stars in Austin, Texas, questions swirl about his decision, the potential consequences, and what it means for Inter Miami’s season.
This blog dives into the reasons behind Messi’s absence, the risk of a suspension, and the broader implications, while exploring fan reactions. What do you think about Messi’s choice? Let’s unpack this intriguing story.
The Context: Messi’s Absence from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium in Austin was anticipated as Lionel Messi’s first appearance in the league’s showcase event, having missed the 2024 edition due to a Copa América injury. However, Messi and teammate Jordi Alba were notably absent from training sessions leading up to the July 23 match, raising doubts about their participation.
On game day, Major League Soccer confirmed that neither player was included in the matchday roster, dealing a significant blow to the event’s appeal. Posts on X, such as @the_bonnfire’s claim, “Lionel Messi will not play in the 2025 MLS All-Star game. What an AWFUL look for Major League Soccer,” reflect the disappointment and controversy surrounding the decision.
Shaka Hislop’s Perspective
ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop, a former Premier League goalkeeper, strongly advocated for Messi to skip the All-Star Game. Speaking on the Futbol Americas podcast, Hislop argued, “I don’t think Messi should play in the All-Star Game.
While we fawn over Lionel Messi and his performances, he is 38 years old, and from an Inter Miami perspective, the more rest he can get, the better.” Hislop’s stance aligns with Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano, who expressed a preference for rest over participation, citing the team’s grueling schedule.
Why Did Messi Skip the All-Star Game?
Several factors contributed to Messi’s absence, with rest and fitness concerns at the forefront.
Demanding Schedule and Fatigue
Messi has been in sensational form in the 2025 MLS season, leading the league with 18 goals in 18 matches and adding seven assists. However, his workload is immense, with 2,481 minutes played across 29 appearances in all competitions, including a historic Round-of-16 run at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Mascherano highlighted the toll of a packed schedule, noting, “The players are called up. I would like them to be able to rest, but that is not my decision.” With Inter Miami facing FC Cincinnati on July 26 and preparing for the Leagues Cup starting July 30, prioritizing rest for their star player makes strategic sense.
No Reported Injury
Unlike last year’s absence due to an ankle injury, no official injury has been reported for 2025. According to Sporting News, Messi’s decision appears driven by a desire to avoid adding to his minutes and risking fatigue-related injuries.
However, without a documented medical excuse, MLS regulations stipulate a one-game suspension for players who skip the All-Star Game, putting Messi at risk for missing Inter Miami’s next match against FC Cincinnati.
Strategic Club Decision
Inter Miami’s coaching staff, led by Mascherano, has consistently prioritized Messi’s long-term fitness. Earlier in 2025, Mascherano rested Messi for a match against Houston Dynamo to manage fatigue after a three-game-in-seven-days stretch.
This precedent suggests that the club, aware of Messi’s age and injury history, is taking a cautious approach to ensure he remains fit for crucial league and Leagues Cup matches.
The Risk of Suspension: MLS Rules and Implications
MLS regulations are clear: players selected for the All-Star Game who opt out without a valid medical reason face a one-game suspension for their club’s next regular-season match.
For Messi and Jordi Alba, this could mean missing Inter Miami’s critical clash against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on July 26, a match set to be broadcast live on FS1.
Potential Loophole
There’s a potential out: if MLS accepts fitness concerns as a valid excuse, Messi could avoid the suspension. However, Sporting News notes that playing against Cincinnati just three days after skipping the All-Star Game could raise questions about the legitimacy of any fitness-related claim, potentially damaging MLS’s credibility.
A similar situation occurred in 2018 when Zlatan Ibrahimovic skipped the All-Star Game and was suspended for LA Galaxy’s next match, despite issuing a public statement.
Impact on Inter Miami
Missing Messi for the Cincinnati match would be a significant setback. Inter Miami, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, is in a tight race for the Supporters’ Shield.
A loss without their star player could hinder their momentum, especially after a recent 3-0 defeat to Cincinnati ended Messi’s record-breaking streak of scoring braces in five consecutive games.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Messi’s absence has ignited passionate discussions, particularly on X. Some fans support the rest-first approach, while others see it as disrespectful to the league.
- Support for Rest: @ESPNsoccer quoted Mascherano saying, “Would prefer rest,” reflecting a sentiment that Messi’s health is paramount.
- Criticism of Absence: @InterMiamiZone noted, “Messi and Inter Miami need to do better; they need to respect the league,” echoing fans who feel Messi’s absence undermines the MLS All-Star Game’s prestige.
- Mixed Feelings: @FernandezAndreC confirmed Messi and Alba’s absence, while @433futbol_ questioned, “Is MLS’s biggest star about to miss the All-Star Game?” highlighting the event’s significance.
Analysts like Hislop and Mascherano argue that rest is critical for Messi’s longevity, but others, like Sporting News’ Kyle Bonn, warn that the optics of skipping a marquee event could harm MLS’s reputation.
What Does This Mean for Messi and Inter Miami?
Messi’s decision to skip the All-Star Game underscores a broader strategy to prioritize long-term success over short-term showcases. At 38, Messi continues to perform at an elite level, tying for the MLS Golden Boot and driving Inter Miami’s ambitions for a second straight Supporters’ Shield and a Leagues Cup title.
However, his absence risks alienating fans expecting to see him alongside stars like Sergio Ramos and Hirving Lozano, and it could strain relations with MLS organizers.
For Inter Miami, the focus is clear: keep Messi fit for pivotal matches. With the Leagues Cup looming and a potential blockbuster signing like Rodrigo De Paul in the works, the club is building a squad capable of dominating North American football. Messi’s rest could pay dividends in these high-stakes competitions.
FAQ: Lionel Messi and the 2025 MLS All-Star Game
1. Why did Lionel Messi skip the 2025 MLS All-Star Game?
Messi’s absence is likely due to a need for rest, as advocated by coach Javier Mascherano and analyst Shaka Hislop, given his heavy workload of 2,481 minutes in 29 appearances this season. No injury has been reported.
2. Will Messi face a suspension for missing the All-Star Game?
MLS rules mandate a one-game suspension for players who skip the All-Star Game without a medical excuse, potentially ruling Messi out of Inter Miami’s July 26 match against FC Cincinnati.
3. What did Shaka Hislop say about Messi’s participation?
Hislop urged Messi to skip the game, stating, “The more rest he can get, the better,” citing his age and demanding schedule.
4. How has Messi performed in the 2025 MLS season?
Messi leads the MLS with 18 goals in 18 matches, tying for the Golden Boot, and has seven assists, driving Inter Miami’s push for the Supporters’ Shield.
5. Why is rest so important for Messi?
At 38, Messi’s intense schedule increases the risk of fatigue-related injuries. Resting him ensures he’s fit for crucial matches like the Leagues Cup and regular-season games.
6. How have fans reacted to Messi’s absence?
Reactions are mixed, with some fans supporting rest and others criticizing the decision as disrespectful to MLS. Posts on X reflect both disappointment and understanding.
7. Could Messi still play against FC Cincinnati on July 26?
If MLS accepts fitness concerns as a valid excuse, Messi could avoid suspension and play. However, this could raise questions about the league’s rules.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s decision to skip the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, backed by Shaka Hislop and Javier Mascherano, highlights the delicate balance between showcasing a global star and preserving his longevity. While the move risks a suspension and has sparked debate, it reflects Inter Miami’s focus on prioritizing Messi’s health for a grueling season ahead.
As fans voice their opinions on X, the football world watches to see if Messi will face consequences or if MLS will grant an exception. What do you think—should Messi have played, or is rest the right call? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
References
- Goal.com: Shaka Hislop’s comments on Messi’s rest
- Sporting News: Details on Messi’s absence and suspension risk
- ESPN: Mascherano and MLS All-Star coach statements
- World Soccer Talk: MLS All-Star Game context and sanctions
- MLSSoccer.com: Messi’s 2025 season performance
- Posts on X: Fan and analyst reactions
Disclaimer
This article is based on information and analysis from credible sources as of July 23, 2025, and is intended for informational purposes only. There is no intent to degrade or misrepresent any individual, club, or organization. The content reflects the latest reports and fan sentiments, subject to change as new developments emerge.
