After much uncertainty about Lionel Messi’s participation in the MLS All-Star Game, the Argentine star’s absence from the match was finally confirmed. The match is organized every year and pits the best of MLS against the best of Liga MX. It is a duel that is eagerly awaited by fans and attracts all the attention, as both leagues have attracted great figures of world-class level.
During the week there was much debate about the situation of the Inter Miami players, as the level of physical load they had been having after their participation in the Club World Cup and the matches they played in the last month, it was possible that their stars were not in their best shape. And that is what MLS claimed to justify the absences of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
“We have an All-Star Game that we believe is a real priority. We have a player who has played nine games in 30 days. Inter Miami has had a different schedule than any other team. Leo played 90 minutes in every game. We have to manage that as a league,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber.
Messi and other cases of absent figures
In last season’s All-Star Game, Messi was also absent due to injury, so this is the second year in a row that he has missed the duel. This is a source of disappointment for MLS, as the Argentine’s presence in this match attracts much more attention due to his worldwide impact.
Messi was joined by the case of Colombian James Rodriguez, who was one of the stars of Liga MX, but was also unable to be present. In the past, an emblematic case was that of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who in 2018 played for Los Angeles Galaxy, but by his own decision preferred not to go to the match and earned a sanction. The punishment was a one-match suspension in MLS.
Javier Mascherano’s opinion on the matter
In 15 days Inter Miami has played five games, an unusual figure that alerts players to the physical demands they have been experiencing. For this reason, greater care must be taken with older players such as Messi and Jordi Alba. A few days ago, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano commented on his opinion regarding the situation of his players.
“I would like them to be able to rest, but it is not my decision. I know how important the All-Star Game is. So far, there is no official decision from the club and everything continues as normal,” Mascherano explained, who at the time was not clear on the subject, but did have his preferences. Finally, Messi and Jordi Alba got the rest they needed.
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