When Stars Go Missing in Action
In a twist that has left fans confused and pundits debating league policy, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have opted out of the MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars game, raising eyebrows across the soccer world. The two Inter Miami stars—veterans of countless high-profile matches—are now expected to be suspended for their club’s next fixture. For a game that’s meant to be a celebration of talent, this year’s All-Star week in Austin, Texas, has instead turned into a cautionary tale about expectations, obligations, and a league still finding its balance between spectacle and substance.
Why Messi and Alba Skipping the Game is a Big Deal
A League Still Building Its Global Brand
The MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars game is more than just a friendly. It’s one of the few MLS traditions that aims to elevate the league’s profile on an international stage. Started in 1996, the All-Star format has evolved over the years to attract global attention:
- Early days featured East vs West MLS teams
- Recent years saw European powerhouses like Real Madrid and Arsenal as opponents
- Since 2021, MLS has used Liga MX as the standard All-Star adversary
Inter Miami’s marquee names, Messi and Alba, were expected to help carry this game into more eyeballs, more tweets, and more jersey sales.
“The All-Star Game is more than a match—it’s our Super Bowl of marketing,” said an anonymous league executive, according to The Athletic.
Suspension Ahead? Yes, According to MLS Rules
MLS’s rulebook is pretty straightforward: if a selected player skips the All-Star Game without being injured, they must sit out their next league match. The rule exists to prevent teams from protecting key players by pulling them from what is essentially a showpiece match.
- Lionel Messi: No official injury reported
- Jordi Alba: Was listed for the skills challenge, then withdrawn with no reason given
- Outcome: Likely suspension from Miami’s upcoming clash with FC Cincinnati
The same rule was enforced in 2018 when Zlatan Ibrahimović skipped the All-Star Game. He called the penalty “ridiculous”—but served it anyway.
“They do whatever they want,” Zlatan said at the time. “I come from the real world.”
The Bigger Picture for Inter Miami
Miami’s Brutal Fixture Pile-Up
This isn’t happening in a vacuum. Inter Miami is in the middle of a jam-packed July:
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| July 3 | vs NYCFC | W 2-1 |
| July 7 | vs Orlando City | D 1-1 |
| July 10 | vs PSG (Club World Cup) | L 0-3 |
| July 14 | vs LAFC | W 3-2 |
| July 20 | vs Charlotte FC | D 2-2 |
And coming up:
- July 26: vs FC Cincinnati (League Match)
- July 31: vs Atlas (Leagues Cup)
A short rest period following the All-Star game means sitting out may have been a strategic decision—but the optics are hard to ignore.
Facing FC Cincinnati Without Their Stars
Cincinnati currently tops the Eastern Conference and previously beat Inter Miami 3-0. Going into this rematch without Messi and Alba isn’t just symbolic—it could be critical in the playoff race.
“Without Messi, you’re not just down a player—you’re missing a magnet,” said ESPN pundit Taylor Twellman.
MLS Needs to Modernize the All-Star Format
Time to Rethink the Game’s Role?
While the All-Star game draws attention, it’s often seen as more flash than substance. Many top leagues around the world have moved away from All-Star formats entirely.
Should MLS:
- Move the game to the offseason?
- Provide waivers for overworked players?
- Reconsider the punishment rule?
The league’s commitment to this event is understandable, but not at the expense of its stars and club competition integrity.
A Missed Marketing Opportunity
Messi skipping the All-Star game might’ve made headlines—but not for the right reasons. For sponsors and international partners, this was supposed to be a chance to see Messi in a more relaxed, fan-facing environment.
What the Fans Are Saying
Social Media Reactions
- “Messi skipping the All-Star game? That’s like Santa skipping Christmas.”
- “I get why Messi’s not playing—but maybe don’t suspend him? It’s bad PR.”
- “If Zlatan skipped and got suspended, Messi should too. Fair’s fair.”
MLS Forum Buzz
- Threads on Reddit’s r/MLS are packed with debates on whether the suspension policy is outdated.
- On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #MLSAllStar and #MessiOut are trending regionally.
MLS Needs to Balance Star Power and Sanity
Messi and Alba’s absence from the MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars game underscores a deeper issue. As MLS tries to grow, it must juggle commercial obligations, player wellness, and competitive integrity. Punishing your biggest stars for protecting their bodies may not be the long-term answer.
Still, rules are rules. And if Messi and Alba are benched against Cincinnati, Inter Miami—and the fans—will feel it.
