Messi and Alba skip 2025 MLS All-Star Game to fans' frustration
- Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will miss the 2025 MLS All-Star Game despite being voted as the top players in their positions.
- Their absence raises concerns about player commitment and the relevance of the All-Star Game.
- This may signal a shift for MLS to reconsider the importance of exhibition matches.
On July 23, 2025, it was officially announced that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba would not participate in the upcoming 2025 MLS All-Star Game. This decision comes despite the fact that both players topped the voting at their respective positions, making their absence particularly notable. The All-Star Game is a showcase event in Major League Soccer, set to occur in Austin, Texas, where MLS All-Stars will face off against LIGA MX All-Stars. Absent from the finalized roster, both Messi and Alba represent Inter Miami, a club that has garnered attention largely due to Messi's arrival in 2023. The implications of this absence are significant as Messi not only holds a prominent role within the club as a star player but is also a business partner of MLS. His choice to not participate raises questions about his commitment to the league and his responsibilities as a prominent ambassador for the sport in the United States. Critics have pointed out that Messi’s indifference can be interpreted as a signal that the All-Star Game has lost its relevance and importance, particularly if a high-profile player such as Messi opts out. Moreover, the game’s format and scheduling have come under scrutiny. While other sports leagues, like Major League Baseball and the NBA, facilitate player participation with designated time off in their schedules, MLS has been criticized for not making similar accommodations for its players. Coupled with Messi’s history of injuries, which have recently impacted his workload during the regular season, the rationale behind his absence seems to be more of a personal decision rather than one imposed by team management. This has sparked frustration among American soccer fans who feel that Messi, despite benefitting from his commercial position in the league, is neglecting his role as a representative of MLS. The league may face a pivotal moment in reassessing the significance of such exhibition matches and consider steering towards prioritizing league play over seemingly meaningless events. Ultimately, Messi's decision not to participate could prompt a broader discussion about how the league engages its stars and respects its fan base.