Why did Lionel Messi not play in MLS All-Star vs Liga MX All-Star Game?

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The 2025 MLS All-Star Game saw the MLS All-Stars defeat Liga MX All-Stars 3-1 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

MLS struck first with Sam Surridge heading in a goal in the 28th minute, followed by Tai Baribo doubling the lead in the 51st. Liga MX responded through 16-year-old Gilberto Mora in the 64th, but Brian White sealed the result for MLS with an 80th-minute strike.

Although Lionel Messi was slated to play for MLS, the Argentine didn't play in the match. Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, was a huge attraction, but the Austin crowd had no sight of the legendary player in the match. Despite being included in the official roster, Messi neither participated in training sessions nor team events leading up to the match, raising early doubts about his participation.

Why did Lionel Messi not play in MLS All-Star vs Liga MX All-Star Match?

Lionel Messi did not play in the MLS vs Liga MX All-Star match primarily due to a combination of managing his physical workload and prioritizing rest after an intense run of recent games, rather than injury. L

The Argentina international didn't feature due to the need for rest after a demanding schedule. He played the full 90 minutes in 26 of his 29 appearances for Inter Miami across all competitions in 2025, logging over 2,481 minutes. Inter Miami's head coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed concerns about the players' workload, stating a preference for rest, though the decision was not his. No specific injury was reported, but Messi's absence from training sessions and the All-Star Skills Challenge suggested a precautionary measure to manage his physical condition.

MLS rules state that players who skip the All-Star Game without a medical reason face a one-game suspension, which could affect Messi's availability for Inter Miami's next match against FC Cincinnati, though no immediate sanction was confirmed.