Messi makes MLS embarrassed again - Photo: Reuters
The MLS All-Stars eventually won 3-1 against the Liga MX All-Stars (Mexico). 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 when they have to choose whether to follow the rules and suspend their icon Messi. Or make an exception for the player who changed the face of the entire tournament.
In the post-match press conference, MLS member Don Garber could not hide his disappointment and refused to answer whether Lionel Messi would be punished or not.
According to MLS rules, players selected to the All-Star team who do not participate without a valid reason (such as injury) will receive a one-game suspension for the club's next match.
This means Messi will likely have to sit out Inter Miami's crucial match against league leaders FC Cincinnati on July 26.
But the issue isn't that simple. Garber and MLS are well aware of the reasons Messi could be overlooked.
The 38-year-old has been struggling with a gruelling schedule, playing the full 90 minutes in nine consecutive matches in just 35 days, including the FIFA Club World Cup and domestic fixtures.
In total, Messi has played more than 2,000 minutes in 22 of his 23 games since April. Inter Miami are also the team with the most games in the league with 34 matches in all competitions in 2025.
But then he also stressed discipline: "But we have rules, and we have to manage that too."
The contradiction in Garber’s statement highlights the dilemma MLS is in. This isn’t the first time a major MLS star has faced punishment for skipping the All-Star Game. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was suspended for one game for refusing to play in the 2018 All-Star Game.
Suspending Messi would be a fair move for the league, but it could upset Messi, a star who is bringing huge value to MLS.
At the same time, and possibly disappointing 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 winner has revolutionized the league, raising MLS's global profile, attracting huge audiences and boosting ticket sales and lucrative television deals.
THANH DINH
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mls-kho-xu-vi-messi-20250725110153516.htm
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