The highly anticipated MLS All-Stars match against Liga MX is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET, hosted at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. This event has gained significance as a critical rivalry between MLS and Liga MX, highlighted by recent Liga MX victories such as the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup and Mexico’s controversial Gold Cup win. Lionel Messi MLS All-Stars Game speculation has surged due to questions about whether the Inter Miami star will play in this key encounter. Messi’s presence could be decisive given his exceptional talent, but his participation remains unclear amid uncertainty over fitness and scheduling conflicts.
Evaluating Lionel Messi’s Fitness and Availability for the Match
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has been delivering remarkable performances this season, netting six braces in seven games and contributing significantly to Miami’s current stronghold in the Eastern Conference, where they sit fifth with 41 points from 21 matches. Despite this, Messi has yet to travel to Texas for the All-Stars game, and his coach Javier Mascherano recently addressed doubts about Messi’s participation.
“I’d love for them to rest,”
Mascherano told beIN SPORTS.
“But it’s not my decision. I know how important the All-Star Game is. So far, there’s no official decision from the club, and everything remains normal.”
Messi, 38, who is the oldest player on the All-Stars roster alongside Miami teammate Jordi Alba, has endured a demanding schedule. Balancing FIFA Club World Cup commitments and MLS matches has left him with limited rest. The team faces a critical MLS contest on Saturday, July 26, against Cincinnati, the conference leaders. Should Messi choose to skip the All-Stars game to prepare for this opponent, he would face an automatic one-game suspension, sidelining him for the pivotal Cincinnati fixture. This dilemma has created uncertainty around his decision to play in Austin.
Given the circumstances, it’s plausible Messi may participate only briefly, as even 15-30 minutes of his playmaking brilliance could sway the outcome against Liga MX’s defense. Fans remain eager to witness the soccer icon on the field during such a prestigious showdown.
The Competitive Landscape: MLS All-Stars Versus Liga MX Talent
The rivalry between MLS and Liga MX intensifies with the inclusion of legendary players, creating compelling storylines for fans. Among the MLS All-Stars’ ranks are seven United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) players, including Patrick Agyemang, Diego Luna, Max Arfsten, Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman, and Miles Robinson. Additionally, notable stars like Mexican forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano are part of the MLS squad. Austin FC’s coach Nico Estevez leads the team and recently commented on the Messi situation:
“I train and coach the players they give me. I think that’s a question for the organizers. I hope he comes, because having the best player in history here is important for everyone.”
The Liga MX All-Stars also boast several high-profile talents, including former La Liga players such as Colombian James Rodriguez of Real Madrid and Sergio Canales of Real Betis. The prospect of Messi facing off against Sergio Ramos adds a nostalgic edge, recalling the famous Barcelona versus Real Madrid rivalry. This elevates the intensity and anticipation of the All-Stars game, as Liga MX brings a formidable squad to Austin.
The Stakes and Future Implications of Messi’s Involvement
The outcome of the 2025 MLS All-Stars game has broader implications beyond a single exhibition match. With Liga MX recently dominating regional competitions, MLS is eager to assert its competitiveness by fielding its best talent, including Messi if possible. His potential absence could tilt the balance in Liga MX’s favor, intensifying pressure on the remaining MLS stars to perform. Conversely, Messi’s appearance, even if limited, could inspire his teammates and energize supporters, reinforcing MLS’s growing stature in North American soccer.
As the match day approaches, the soccer community and fans continue to debate Messi’s availability, recognizing that any involvement from the Argentine winger delivers a unique spectacle. Whether Messi plays or sits out, the rivalry between MLS and Liga MX remains a focal point in shaping the future dynamics of soccer in the region.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?
A. He grew up in a Roman Catholic family and stuck with their beliefs. He has two tattoos representing his faith. One is Jesus Christ with a crown of thorns on his upper right shoulder. The other tattoo is a rosary on his forearm.