A superstar in doubt

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is set for this Wednesday at Q2 Stadium in Austin, with the MLS Skills Challenge scheduled for the day before. But the excitement surrounding the event may be deflated if its biggest attraction doesn’t show up: Lionel Messi. With the game approaching, the Argentine star still hasn’t traveled to Texas, and questions are swirling.

Messi is on fire… but overloaded

The Inter Miami captain is having a brilliant season: 6 braces in his last 7 games and 18 goals in 18 matches, despite missing several games due to the Club World Cup. His performance has kept the club in the fight in the Eastern Conference, but this level of intensity is starting to raise red flags around him.

Mascherano speaks up: injury fears are real

Javier Mascherano, Inter’s head coach, didn’t hide his concerns:
"I’d love for them to rest, but it’s not my decision. I know how important the All-Star Game is. So far, there’s no official decision from the club, and everything remains normal."
The risk of injury is on the table, and the club doesn’t see his involvement in such a physically demanding exhibition as ideal.

What if Messi refuses to play?

According to MLS regulations, if Messi skips the All-Star Game without a valid medical excuse, he’ll face a one-game suspension with Inter Miami, making him miss Saturday’s home clash against FC Cincinnati. There’s precedent: in 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimovic received the same sanction after refusing to participate as a LA Galaxy player.

Nico Estévez and the weight of an icon

In a recent press conference, opposing coach Nico Estévez shared his view on the situation:
"I train and coach the players they give me. I think that’s a question for the organizers. I hope he comes, because having the best player in history here is important for everyone."
For now, though, it’s still uncertain. Will he play or not?