Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight For the MLS All-Stars Vs Liga MX All-Stars?

Lionel Messi’s absence from MLS All-Star team training sessions has sparked a key question: Will he play in the MLS All-Star Game? His Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba also skipped the Skills Challenge, adding to the uncertainty. With both stars missing from key All-Star events, speculation around Messi’s availability has only intensified.

With Inter Miami in one of the most demanding stretches of the season—often playing twice a week—manager Javier Mascherano reportedly has concerns about Messi’s participation. The star forward could use the rest. Still, if he skips the game, the consequences might be even worse—for both the league and the club.

If Messi doesn’t play, he’ll be suspended for one match, as happened with Zlatan Ibrahimović during his time with LA Galaxy. That suspension could hurt Miami’s playoff push, with the team preparing for the League's Cup and heading into the final stretch of the regular season. After five straight wins in which Messi scored a brace in each match, Inter Miami has hit a bump—losing 3-0 to FC Cincinnati and drawing 2-2 against the New York Red Bulls.

Messi and Alba Didn't Travel to Austin

According to the MLS insider José Armando, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba won't play tonight in the MLS All-Star game.

"Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have not traveled to Austin, Texas for the All-Star Game. They will miss tonight’s match. A decision regarding their availability for the game against Cincinnati is still pending. Efforts continued through this morning." - José Armando said.