MLS is in a difficult position because of Messi.

Major League Soccer (MLS) is in a difficult situation after the league's biggest superstar, Lionel Messi, and teammate Jordi Alba were unexpectedly absent from the All-Star game on July 24th.

Messi once again puts MLS in a difficult position - Photo: Reuters

The MLS All-Stars ultimately won 3-1 against the Liga MX All-Stars (Mexico league). However, Messi's sudden absence just 8 hours before the match caused MLS to lose face with fans and sponsors.

Specifically, they now face a difficult decision: whether to uphold the rules and suspend their icon Messi, or to make an exception for the player who has changed the face of the entire league.

In the post-match press conference, MLS official Don Garber could not hide his disappointment and declined to answer whether Lionel Messi would be punished.

According to MLS regulations, players selected for the All-Star team who fail to participate without a valid reason (such as injury) will receive a one-match suspension in their club's next game.

This means Messi may have to sit out Inter Miami's crucial match against league leaders FC Cincinnati on July 26th.

However, the issue is not so simple. Both Mr. Garber and MLS are well aware of the reasons why Messi could be overlooked.

This is because the 38-year-old superstar had to endure a grueling schedule. He played the full 90 minutes in nine consecutive matches in just 35 days, including games in the FIFA Club World Cup and the domestic league.

In total, Messi has played over 2,000 minutes in 22 out of 23 matches since April. Inter Miami is also the team with the most games played in the league, with 34 matches across all competitions in 2025.

But he then emphasized discipline: "But we have rules, and we have to manage them."

The contradiction in Garber's statement clearly illustrates the awkward situation facing MLS. This isn't the first time a major MLS star has faced punishment for skipping an All-Star game. Previously, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was suspended for one game for refusing to play in the 2018 All-Star game.

Suspending Messi would be an action to ensure fairness in the league. However, this action could displease Messi – the star who brings immense value to MLS.

This could also disappoint fans who bought tickets to see Messi play. No one can deny Messi's influence on MLS.

Since joining the league in 2023, the 2022 World Cup champions have revolutionized the game, elevating MLS's global standing, attracting large audiences, and boosting revenue from ticket sales and lucrative television deals.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mls-kho-xu-vi-messi-20250725110153516.htm