Will Lionel Messi Take the Field for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game?

The most pressing uncertainty ahead of the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, where top MLS talents will face off against Liga MX All-Stars, centers on whether football's most legendary figure will take the field.

Lionel Messi was expected to make his inaugural MLS All-Star Game appearance this week. Yet, the Inter Miami striker was conspicuously absent from the MLS All-Stars' opening training session on Monday.

Reports emerged last week confirming Messi would skip the 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge scheduled for the evening before the main event. The actual match is set for Wednesday, July 24. With under 48 hours remaining before kickoff, Messi has yet to be seen in Austin—the designated host city.

Doubts about Messi's All-Star Game involvement surfaced over the weekend when Miami head coach Javier Mascherano expressed his preference for his superstar to avoid the event entirely.

"Players receive call-ups, and I'd prefer they could have the full week to recover, but that choice isn't mine to make," Mascherano stated. "I understand the significance of the All-Star [Game] for this league and nation. As far as I'm aware, no final decision has come from the club [Miami]."

Messi and Miami have endured a grueling schedule throughout the past month. Following their participation in the 2025 Club World Cup, the Herons have contested seven matches across 26 days, with Messi featuring in every minute of action during this period.

When questioned about Messi's game participation, Austin FC's head coach—serving as the MLS All-Star manager—acknowledged uncertainty regarding Messi's status while expressing hope the Argentine would ultimately appear for the contest.

Should Messi fail to appear for the All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium, he could face a one-match suspension that would rule him out of Miami's forthcoming encounter with FC Cincinnati.

The Liga MX All-Star squad confronts a comparable dilemma. Former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos also failed to join his Monterrey colleagues in linking up with the Liga MX All-Stars. Currently, Ramos's match availability remains uncertain.

With mere hours remaining before the 2025 MLS All-Star Game commences, whether Messi and Ramos—potentially the event's two most significant draws—will participate in the proceedings remains completely unclear.