Lionel Messi’s absence from the highly anticipated MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX has sparked wild speculation. The most viral theory? That Messi intentionally avoided facing Sergio Ramos, the Mexican team’s captain and his longtime rival from El Clásico days. But is there any truth to it?

Why Is Messi Missing?

The Inter Miami forward didn’t attend any of the training sessions ahead of Wednesday’s game in Austin, Texas, and his participation remains uncertain. Nico Estévez, the MLS All-Star coach, offered no clarity, saying:
“That’s a question for the league and the club. I hope he’s here—having the best player in history is important for everyone.”

Jordi Alba, another Inter Miami player, also missed training and the skills challenge, fueling more doubts. Still, there’s been no official injury update from the club or the league.

Did Messi Avoid Ramos Out of Fear?

Absolutely not. While Messi and Ramos were fierce rivals during their Barcelona vs Real Madrid days, their relationship evolved dramatically when they became teammates at Paris Saint-Germain. Both players have spoken warmly about each other since.

In a 2023 interview, Ramos said their relationship was “much better than expected” and that Messi was a joy to play alongside. Messi has also expressed admiration for Ramos, and the two were seen joking and supporting each other at PSG.

So, the idea that Messi skipped the game to dodge Ramos is entirely baseless—just social media noise.

What’s the Real Reason for His Absence?

The most likely explanation is load management. Messi has had a busy summer with Inter Miami, playing through intense heat and travel. He might be dealing with minor issues or simply getting rest ahead of key league fixtures.

However, if he doesn’t show up and no official injury is reported, he could face a one-match suspension, as per MLS rules—a precedent set when Zlatan Ibrahimović missed the 2018 All-Star Game without medical clearance.

In the end, there’s no bad blood between Messi and Ramos—just a lingering narrative that no longer fits reality.