What's at stake for Inter Miami if Lionel Messi misses MLS All-Star Game?

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :July 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM

Modified at :July 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM

The Argentine did not participate in the preliminary training ahead of the MLS All-Star game.

Lionel Messi has not yet trained with the chosen squad before the MLS All-Stars’ matchup with Liga MX All-Stars. However, in his last appearance for his parent team, Inter Miami, he scored another brace. This time in the 5-1 thumping of the New York Red Bulls.

Hirving Lozano, Jordi Alba, and Diego Rossi are among the 30 MLS players in the roster for the friendly, but MLS executives are itching for Messi to play. The Argentinian, who is regarded as one of the best players of all time, is essential to event organisers looking to increase attendance.

Will Lionel Messi get suspended if he misses the All-Star match?

According to MLS regulations, the 38-year-old may receive a one-game penalty for Inter Miami if he doesn’t participate.

Questions concerning the former FC Barcelona player’s absence from training have already been directed at MLS All-Stars coach Nico Estevez.

Lionel Messi Getty — Inter Miami are at risk of losing Lionel Messi for a one-match MLS ban (Photo via Getty Images)

He said: “I don’t know. That question should be asked to the MLS officials. I just coach the players they give me. Of course, I’d love for him to play. It would be a pleasure to work, even if just for a short time, with the greatest of all time.”

There had been no formal announcement of a possible pullout from Inter Miami’s player on Tuesday night. Messi has played every minute of Inter Miami’s last 19 games across all competitions, despite occasionally struggling with fitness since joining MLS in 2023. This indicates that he is match-fit.

Inter Miami could suffer a setback ahead of their matchup with FC Cincinnati this weekend if Lionel Messi misses the All-Star Game without a valid injury reason, according to league regulations.

Will Lionel Messi play in MLS All-Stars game?

It is not confirmed if he will play in the game.

Will Lionel Messi receive a ban if he doesn’t play?

Yes, as per the rules, he could face a ban for the next MLS match unless he is unfit or injured.

Which was the last MLS game Messi played?

He last featured against the New York Red Bulls.

Has Messi featured in an MLS All-Star game before?

Although he joined in 2023, the player is yet to feature in the game.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.