MLS Under Fire As Mascherano Blasts Messi's All-Stars Call-Up

The MLS All-Star Game is set for Wednesday, July 23, but Javier Mascherano doesn’t want Lionel Messi involved in the match against Liga MX stars. In a team full of veterans, Inter Miami can’t afford to have players involved in extracurricular matters at this point of the season.

Messi could be heading into one of the most intense stretches of his career. During the MLS season, Inter Miami also played four matches in the Club World Cup. After their run ended in the Round of 16, they were back in MLS action just a week later. And soon, the League Cup kicks off.

This heavy schedule has Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano concerned, especially as he’s aiming to compete seriously in both the MLS and the League Cup—particularly with Rodrigo De Paul set to join soon. Still, Mascherano made it clear: this isn’t his decision.

“The players are called up. I’d prefer they rest, but it’s not my decision. I know how important the All-Star Game is, and as far as I know, there’s no decision from the club—everything continues as normal,” said Mascherano.

Messi recently set an MLS record, scoring at least two goals in five straight games, and Inter Miami currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference. That position has them in the playoff zone, but the upcoming League Cup will only make the schedule tougher.