Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star: Is Speed going to meet magic Messi 2025

The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation remains a burning question as the 2025 MLS All-Star Game approaches on July 23, 2025, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. With the MLS Skills Challenge set for July 22 and the main event pitting MLS All-Stars against Liga MX’s finest, fans are eager to know if Lionel Messi, the league’s biggest star, will take the field. Despite his sensational form—18 goals in 18 matches, including six braces in seven games—Messi’s absence from training and Inter Miami’s concerns about his workload cast doubt on his involvement.

Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game Participation: Will the GOAT Play in Austin?

The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation debate comes amid a stellar 2025 season for the 38-year-old Argentine. Messi leads the MLS with 18 goals and nine assists in 18 matches, tying Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge for the Golden Boot. His recent heroics include a record-setting six braces in seven games, highlighted by a two-goal, two-assist performance in Inter Miami’s 5-1 rout of the New York Red Bulls on July 19, 2025. Posts on social media have hailed him as “unstoppable,” with one fan noting, “Messi’s rewriting MLS history at 38.” His 23 goal contributions in 2025 have kept Inter Miami fifth in the Eastern Conference with 41 points, despite a 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati on July 16.

However, Messi’s workload is a concern. Inter Miami played seven matches in 26 days, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where Messi featured in every minute. This grueling schedule, coupled with minor muscle issues, has raised red flags for Inter Miami’s medical staff. The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation uncertainty stems from this physical strain, as the All-Star Game falls between crucial MLS fixtures—against the Red Bulls on July 19 and FC Cincinnati on July 26—before the Leagues Cup begins on July 29.

Mascherano’s Stance: Rest Over Risk

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has been vocal about his concerns regarding the Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation. In a press conference, he stated, “I’d love for them to rest, but it’s not my decision. I know how important the All-Star Game is. So far, there’s no official decision from the club, and everything remains normal.” Mascherano’s comments reflect a desire to protect Messi and teammate Jordi Alba, also selected for the All-Star Game, from potential injuries during a demanding season. Alba is confirmed to participate in the Skills Challenge on July 22, but Messi’s absence from the event and Monday’s training session has intensified speculation.

Mascherano’s caution is understandable. Messi missed the 2024 MLS All-Star Game due to an ankle injury sustained in the Copa América final, and his history of muscle problems in 2023 and 2024 underscores the need for rest. The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation dilemma is further complicated by MLS rules: players who skip the All-Star Game without a valid medical excuse face a one-game suspension. In 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimović was suspended for missing the event as an LA Galaxy player, setting a precedent. If Messi opts out without a medical exemption, he could miss Inter Miami’s critical home match against league leaders FC Cincinnati on July 26, a blow to their playoff hopes.

The All-Star Game: A Star-Studded Showcase

The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation is pivotal for the event’s appeal. The 2025 MLS All-Star Game, hosted at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium, features a 26-player MLS roster, including stars like Denis Bouanga, Anders Dreyer, and Sam Surridge, facing Liga MX’s best, such as Sergio Ramos, James Rodríguez, and Sergio Canales. Coached by Austin FC’s Nico Estévez, the MLS squad aims to reclaim victory after a 4-1 loss to Liga MX in 2024. The Skills Challenge, featuring Alba and Brad Stuver, adds excitement, but Messi’s potential absence could overshadow the festivities, with ticket prices ranging from $193 to over $800 reflecting high fan anticipation.

Estévez expressed hope for Messi’s involvement, saying, “I’d love to coach the greatest of all time, even for one game.” However, as of July 23, 2025, Messi has not been spotted in Austin, and no official statement from Inter Miami or MLS has confirmed his status. The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation uncertainty has sparked debate, with fans on social media split—some urging rest, others demanding his presence for the league’s showcase. One post read, “Messi skipping the All-Star Game would be a letdown for Austin fans,” while another countered, “He needs rest to win the MLS Cup.”

Potential Consequences of Absence

The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation decision carries significant implications. MLS regulations mandate that selected All-Stars who opt out without a medical excuse—such as an injury—face a one-game suspension for their club’s next match. For Messi, this would mean missing Inter Miami’s clash against FC Cincinnati, who lead the Supporters’ Shield race with 48 points. Inter Miami’s recent loss to Cincinnati exposed defensive vulnerabilities, and losing Messi for the rematch could jeopardize their playoff positioning. However, if Inter Miami reports a medical issue, such as muscle fatigue, Messi could skip the game without penalty, as was the case with his and Luis Suárez’s absence in 2024 due to Copa América injuries.

The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation saga also affects the league’s image. As MLS’s biggest draw, Messi’s presence drives viewership and ticket sales, with Q2 Stadium’s 20,738 capacity sold out. His absence could disappoint fans and sponsors, especially after his 2024 no-show. Conversely, playing risks further strain, with the Leagues Cup looming. Inter Miami’s upcoming signings, like Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid, may ease the load, but Messi’s health remains paramount for their MLS Cup aspirations.

Messi’s Legacy and All-Star Context

The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation debate underscores his transformative impact on MLS. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has scored 40 goals and provided 25 assists in 65 appearances, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer. His 2025 season, with 18 goals and nine assists, has him in contention for back-to-back Landon Donovan MVP awards, a first in MLS history. His recent performances, including a brace against the Red Bulls, have drawn global attention, with posts calling him “the GOAT still dominating at 38.”

The MLS All-Star Game, in its 29th edition, has evolved from East-West matchups to MLS vs. Liga MX clashes since 2021, with MLS holding a 2-1 record. The 2025 roster, featuring four Vancouver Whitecaps players and three each from Austin FC, Nashville SC, and San Diego FC, showcases the league’s depth. However, the Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation is the focal point, with a potential reunion with Sergio Ramos—his former PSG teammate and El Clásico rival—adding nostalgia. Ramos’s participation is also uncertain, further complicating the event’s star power.

Fan and League Perspectives

Fans are divided on the Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation. Social media reflects excitement for his potential debut, with one user stating, “Messi in Austin would be electric,” but others support rest, noting, “He’s played every minute for Miami—give him a break.” MLS officials face pressure to ensure participation, as Messi’s absence could mirror Zlatan’s 2018 controversy, which drew criticism. The league’s promotion of the event, including a viral Skills Challenge video, highlights its importance, but without Messi, the narrative risks shifting to disappointment.

Inter Miami’s perspective prioritizes long-term goals. With the Leagues Cup starting July 29 against Atlas, and a playoff push ahead, resting Messi could preserve his form for critical matches. His history of playing through minor injuries, as seen in the 2024 Leagues Cup, suggests he might still appear, but Mascherano’s comments indicate caution. The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation decision will balance fan expectations, league rules, and player health.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Decision

The Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation remains uncertain as the July 23, 2025, kickoff nears. Messi’s sensational form makes him the event’s biggest draw, but his absence from training and Inter Miami’s concerns about his workload cast doubt. With a potential suspension looming and the Leagues Cup approaching, the decision will shape Inter Miami’s season and MLS’s image. Will Messi dazzle in Austin, or will rest prevail? Share your predictions for the Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game participation below!

Messi now has both his bodyguards in Miami 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/ek4ZZxIZK4

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 22, 2025

FAQs: Lionel Messi 2025 MLS All-Star Game Participation

Will Lionel Messi play in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game?
As of July 23, 2025, Messi’s participation is uncertain. He missed training, and Inter Miami’s coach prefers rest, but no official decision has been made.
Why might Messi skip the All-Star Game?
Inter Miami is concerned about his workload after playing every minute of seven matches in 26 days, including the Club World Cup, risking injury.
What happens if Messi doesn’t play?
Without a medical excuse, Messi faces a one-game suspension, missing Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati on July 26, per MLS rules.
How has Messi performed in 2025?
Messi leads MLS with 18 goals and nine assists in 18 matches, including six braces in seven games, tying for the Golden Boot.
Who else is playing in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game?
The MLS roster includes Jordi Alba, Denis Bouanga, and Sam Surridge, facing Liga MX stars like Sergio Ramos, James Rodríguez, and Sergio Canales.