Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not participate in the MLS 2025 All-Star Game, the league officially confirmed Wednesday, July 23. Both players had been included in the original call-up list, but their names were removed from the final roster without MLS publicly explaining the specific reasons for their withdrawal.
The match, which pits MLS stars against a select Liga MX squad, will be played at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, at 9:00 p.m. (ET). Unlike other players who were also ruled out for clear medical reasons, no official injury report was issued for Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
Inter Miami prioritizes physical rest
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano addressed the absence of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba at a press conference before the game:
“Both players have been called up, but, given the load of recent games, we think it is better for them to use this week to recover,” he said.
The club has faced a busy schedule in July, including five games in just 15 days.
This is in addition to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Mascherano made it clear that, for the team, the physical health of its stars is more important than an exhibition match.
Although he acknowledged the magnitude of the event.
In their place, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba remained in Miami undergoing recovery work.
MLS could apply sanctions
In accordance with current Major League Soccer rules, any player named to the All-Star team who does not participate without confirmed medical cause is subject to an automatic one-game league suspension.
This rule seeks to ensure that the selected figures are presented, respecting the expectations of the public and sponsors.
This would be the second consecutive year that Lionel Messi has not participated in the All-Star Game.
In 2024 he was also absent, then due to an injury following the Copa America.
Now, his departure and that of Jordi Alba have generated controversy in the media and among fans.
This is because they also did not participate in the training sessions or in the Skills Challenge on the previous day.
Other notable absences
In addition to Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, other stars were also absent from the event.
Colombian James Rodríguez, midfielder of Club León, did not participate in the skills contest.
Although he does remain in the official call-up list for the match.
Both soccer players had been included in the original squad list
QuéOnnda.com
On the MLS side, the team will still feature stars such as Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Evander (Portland Timbers) and reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC).
In the Liga MX team, the presence of Sergio Ramos (Monterrey) stands out, which ensures a high-level spectacle, despite the absences.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.