Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, which will be played on July 23 at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, remains unknown.
Although the Argentine was voted by fans as one of the 12 starters for the All-Star team, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano showed his preference for both him and Jordi Alba not to participate, prioritizing rest in the midst of a busy season.
The players are called up. I would like them to be able to rest, but it is not my decision
However, the club has not yet made an official decision on the Argentine’s participation in the match and both players are scheduled to travel to Texas next week. Alba would even take part in the Skills Challenge the day before the game.
What injury does Lionel Messi have?
Inter Miami is going through a demanding schedule, having just participated in the Club World Cup and is currently playing its third game in seven days in the regular MLS season
The physical wear and tear is beginning to take its toll on the entire squad, as even the goalkeeper Oscar Ustari suffered an injury in the last match against FC Cincinnati and will be replaced by Rocco Rios Novo in the next match against New York Red Bulls.“It is clear that the team has suffered many muscle injuries this season. The intensity of the last few games has been very high,” said Mascherano, concerned about the cumulative impact on his squad.
Although the length of Ustari’s absence was not specified, the coach acknowledged that the goalkeeper’s situation is delicate.
Messi, for his part, is recovering from different muscle problems due to the heavy workload, which is why the Argentine strategist would prefer that Leo take advantage of these days to rest and not participate in the match, which seems unlikely because he is the top figure in MLS.
How many goals does Lionel Messi have in MLS in 2025?
Since his arrival in MLS in 2023, Lionel Messi has become the main attraction of the tournament. With 18 goals in 21 league games, his level continues to surprise locals and strangers alike, and causing a sensation in all stadiums, especially in cities such as Austin, where he has not yet played.
Messi will not participate in the Skills Challenge
However, Messi will not participate in the Skills Challenge, and his presence in the All-Star Game is not guaranteed either. It should be remembered that last year, after an injury in the final of the Copa America, the Argentine star was absent from the All-Star Game, as were other figures such as Luis Suarez
How much are tickets for the 2025 All-Star Game?
Meanwhile, prices to attend the event remain high. The cheapest tickets are over $190 on the secondary market, and some premium tickets exceed $800. These high prices are a reflection of the public’s high interest in seeing the world champion in action, even though his presence on the field has not yet been confirmed.
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