On July 23 the Annual MLS All Star Game will take place in Austin, TX. The question is will Lionel Messi participate?

The Argentine star was named as one of the 26 players who are a part of the 2025 MLS All-Star Team. Many MLS fans are excited to see MLS stars play alongside Messi for a scrimmage game, but most believe it may not happen. MLS rules suggest that players selected to the MLS All-Star team who decline to participate without a valid reason (like injury) will be suspended from one regular-season league match. Speculation is that Messi will not play after being absent from Mondays training session .

There has been mixed reactions from Inter-Miami fans after Messi’s absence from All Star Game sessions. As some would love to see their teams star player get a few days of rest. Others would not like to see him be suspended for their home game Saturday against one of the Leagues best Cincinnati FC. As the MLS season reaches its half way point Miami is ready to take that next step in positioning themselves for a strong playoff run.

Understandably having the leagues biggest star would be beneficial to global eyes on the league , but should the MLS punish its All-Stars for not participating in its annual scrimmage game?