The 2025 MLS All-Star Game, set to be held in Austin, Texas, was expected to feature Lionel Messi for the first time, after he missed the 2024 event due to injury. However, Messi and teammate Jordi Alba missed the first training session on Monday, casting doubt on their participation. No official announcement has been made, but skipping the match without a valid injury could result in a one-game suspension for their next Inter Miami match.
MLS All-Star coach Nico Estevez deferred questions about Messi to the league and club, expressing hope that Messi would play. The All-Star Game, unfamiliar to much of the football world outside North America, is still a special experience for players like Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who is tied with Messi for the league lead in goals (18).
The 2025 match marks the 29th All-Star Game in MLS history and the fourth time the format features MLS vs. Liga MX All-Stars. Liga MX won the 2024 game 4-1, with Tigres’ Juan Brunetta earning MVP. He returns for this year’s match.
Credit: CGTN