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USMNT legend defends Lionel Messi skipping MLS All-Star Game: 'NFL stars don't play'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Saurabh Saket | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 2:40 PM ET

While soccer fans around the world were hoping to see Lionel Messi in action for the MLS All-Stars, the Inter Miami skipper had different plans. Messi missed the game, as did fellow Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba.

While some experts feel this is a selfish decision from the team, former USMNT legend Herculez Gomez defended the Argentine's decision to walk away from the blockbuster clash.

The Major League Soccer All-Stars beat the Liga MX All-Stars, 3-1, without Messi on the field.

Herculez Gomez backs Messi

The former American star was part of an ESPN expert panel discussing Lionel Messi's decision to stay away from the All-Star Game. Gomes, while adding this would be an enormous blow to the sponsorship and other revenues, the team's decision wasn't surprising at all.

Gomez, while speaking on the matter, stated, "I think the head coach not wanting his star player to be a part of the All-Star Game is nothing new on this side of the continent. You go to NBA games, you go to MLB games, you go to any type of All-Star game, and the NFL, they don't want their players to play. The players don't want to play. They do not want to risk an injury."

Managers and head coaches have always been against All-Star games taking place midseason, as it risks teams suffering a blow because of any unwanted injury. However, with fans paying a hefty amount to watch some of the star names in action, it would be interesting to see how MLS plans to take things further with the league now in the brightest spot it's ever been.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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