As anticipation builds for the 2025 Major League Soccer All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, fans are anxiously awaiting confirmation on whether soccer superstar Lionel Messi will take the field. The event was set to be Messi’s first All-Star appearance after an injury sidelined him in 2024.
On Monday, hopes dimmed when Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were absent from the MLS squad’s first training session. The team is gearing up to face off against a selection of All-Stars from Mexico’s Liga MX on Wednesday night.
Austin’s coach and MLS All-Star leader Nico Estevez remained hopeful about Messi’s participation. “Having the best player in history is something very important for everyone. I’m always very optimistic with everything. And why not? I hope that he can be here,” Estevez said.
Messi, who has played every minute of Inter Miami’s past 19 matches, could face a suspension for Miami’s weekend match against Cincinnati if he sits out the All-Star Game without a valid injury reason.
The All-Star Game is a unique tradition in North American soccer, bringing together top talents from MLS and Liga MX. For many international players, it’s a new experience. Nashville SC’s striker Sam Surridge, tied with Messi for the league lead in goals, expressed his excitement. “Training today was brilliant, getting to know some of the lads. It’s good because everyone comes together this week,” he shared.
This year’s match marks the fourth time the MLS All-Stars face off against Liga MX’s finest. With each league boasting victories in past encounters, Wednesday’s showdown promises to be thrilling, regardless of Messi’s participation.
