2025 MLS All-Star Game Overview
The highly anticipated 2025 MLS All-Star Game set to take place in Austin, Texas, will be a significant moment, particularly because it was expected to mark Lionel Messi’s debut appearance following an injury that kept him sidelined during last year’s event. However, uncertainty looms as Messi, alongside his Inter Miami CF teammate Jordi Alba, was notably absent from the MLS squad’s initial training session on Monday.
Team Preparations and Participation Concerns
As the team gears up for a match against Liga MX’s All-Stars scheduled for Wednesday evening, there has yet to be any official confirmation regarding their participation. Throughout his stint in Major League Soccer, Messi has faced occasional health challenges but has remarkably played every minute in Miami’s last 19 matches across various competitions.
Should Messi or Alba be absent from the All-Star game without a valid injury excuse, they could face disciplinary action, including a one-match ban for Miami’s upcoming match against FC Cincinnati.
Manager’s Optimism
Nico Estevez, the manager for the All-Star team and head coach of Austin FC, expressed optimism about Messi’s potential inclusion, stating, “Leo is more a question for the league, for his club. I simply coach and direct the players that they give me. And I hope so because having the best player in history is something very important for everyone. But I hope so. I’m always very optimistic with everything. And why not? I hope that he can be here.”
All-Star Game Format and Player Excitement
The All-Star format, while a staple of North American soccer, might not be as familiar to audiences internationally. This year’s squad consists of 30 players, with 14 hailing from countries outside the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Despite this, players like Sam Surridge of Nashville SC, who is currently tied with Messi for the league’s scoring title with 18 goals, are excited about the experience.
“Yeah, it is very unique. You get to play with some really good players. Training was brilliant, getting to know some of the lads, a few familiar faces but also getting to know people I don’t know. And it’s good because everyone comes together this week. And then yeah, it’s back to business I’d say on the weekend,” Surridge remarked.
Historical Context
As the league celebrates its 30th anniversary, this match marks the 29th All-Star Game in the history of MLS. Historically, the MLS has bested its Liga MX counterparts in two out of three previous All-Star encounters, although the Mexican side claimed a strong 4-1 victory in last year’s face-off. Notably, Juan Brunetta of Tigres UANL returns following a standout performance that earned him the MVP award for the Liga MX All-Stars last year.
