This Wednesday, the 29th MLS All-Star Game takes over Austin, Texas, as Major League Soccer celebrates its 30th season with a clash against Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars. All eyes are on Lionel Messi, who missed the 2024 event due to injury and was absent at Monday’s first training, alongside teammate Jordi Alba.
Despite the no-show, there’s no official word that Messi or Alba will sit out. “Leo is more a question for the league, for his club,” said MLS All-Star coach Nico Estevez. “I hope he can be here. Having the best player in history is something very important for everyone.”
Messi has been a machine for Inter Miami, playing every minute of his past 19 matches and sharing the league lead with 18 goals. Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge also has 18 goals, making the All-Star training camp a reunion of deadly finishers.
The All-Star format is unique outside North America. Fourteen of the 30-man MLS roster hail from outside the United States, Canada, and Mexico, spotlighting the league’s growing global appeal. For digital nomads and travelers in Austin, it’s a chance to soak up Texan culture and world-class soccer in one weekend.
Since its 1996 debut, the MLS All-Stars have won two of three meetings with Liga MX, though Mexican league stars cruised to a 4-1 win in 2024. Juan Brunetta of Tigres UANL, last year’s MVP, returns to defend that honor and add more fireworks.
As kickoff approaches, the global soccer community is watching: will Messi lace up for his All-Star debut, or will the world’s greatest stay on the sidelines? Either way, Austin’s stage is set for a showcase that blends sport, culture, and the promise of global unity through soccer.
Reference(s):
MLS All-Star coach hopeful missing Lionel Messi can play in event
cgtn.com
