Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has questioned the significance of the 2025 MLS All-Star Game after Lionel Messi chose not to participate. Messi, along with teammate Jordi Alba, missed the exhibition match held on Wednesday, July 23, where the MLS All-Stars secured a 3-1 victory over the Liga MX All-Stars, sparking debate about the event’s importance.
Many fans were disappointed that Lionel Messi skipped the annual MLS showcase, hoping to see the superstar’s talent highlight the event and boost its popularity. Despite its status as an exhibition game, supporters anticipated a high-profile performance from Messi to elevate the rivalry between the MLS and Liga MX squads.
However, Inter Miami’s management and Messi decided to rest the Argentine veteran amid a demanding recent schedule. Leboeuf commented on the situation during a broadcast on ESPN FC’s YouTube channel, providing a critical perspective on the match’s relevance on an international level.
Ex-Chelsea Star Doubts MLS All-Star Game’s Significance Without Messi’s Presence
Frank Leboeuf expressed skepticism about the All-Star Game’s importance from a European viewpoint, explaining that Messi’s absence diminished the event’s perceived value. He implied that the match’s relevance is largely dependent on Messi taking part, stating:
“Yeah, it must be important for the MLS, but coming from a neutral point of view, or from well, from Europe, yeah, we don’t realize how important it can be. And when we see Messi not showing up, we really think that it’s not really important because it would have been important, I think, if Messi would have been there.”
—Frank Leboeuf, Former Chelsea centre-back
Leboeuf further suggested the absence indicated a broader cultural misunderstanding of the game’s stature, saying:
“So it says a lot about the importance of that game. So it must be a cultural difference, a misunderstanding, I don’t know. But what we see from Europe if there is one deciding for everything about himself, it’s Messi and that’s it. And if he didn’t show up, there must be a reason. It’s because it’s not important.”
—Frank Leboeuf, Former Chelsea centre-back
At 38 years old, Messi remains a key player for Inter Miami this season, missing only three matches across all competitions. He has contributed 24 goals and eight assists in 29 appearances, playing 2481 minutes so far, underscoring his ongoing impact despite his age.
ESPN Analyst Claims Messi Prioritizes World Cup Preparation Over MLS Growth
ESPN commentator Alejandro Moreno weighed in on the situation, interpreting Messi’s decision to skip the All-Star Game as part of his broader focus on preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Moreno believes Messi’s commitment lies with Argentina’s national team and his club rather than promoting the MLS as a whole.
Moreno criticized MLS leadership for potentially overestimating Messi’s investment in the league’s development, stating:
“Now, if I were Don Garber and if I were in the offices of MLS and I had Lionel Messi in my league, of course, I’m going to circle everything around him. But we have to understand that Lionel Messi is playing for Lionel Messi and for Inter Miami. He’s not doing this for MLS and to grow the game in this country. He’s doing this so that he’s best prepared for the World Cup in 2026 for Argentina, and then he’s moving on with his life.”
—Alejandro Moreno, ESPN pundit
He added that Messi’s absence from the game will not impact his legacy and that the MLS must accept this reality:
“And whatever happens with MLS beyond that, he is not going to care and it’s not going to it’s not going to make a dent in his legacy as to what happened or didn’t happen. Did he show up? Did he not show up to the All-Star game? None of these things matter in the big picture to Lionel Messi, and MLS just simply has to accept it.”
—Alejandro Moreno, ESPN pundit
Potential Consequences and MLS Response to Messi Skipping the Game
As per MLS regulations, Messi is likely to face a one-match suspension due to missing the All-Star Game without a valid medical reason. This penalty highlights the league’s stance on mandatory participation in marquee events, even if some players view the exhibition matches with less importance.
Looking ahead, Messi’s focus appears firmly fixed on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His priority will be maintaining peak condition to perform at the tournament rather than engaging in league exhibitions.
The absence of Messi in the MLS All-Star Game has stirred a complex mix of disappointment and strategic considerations among fans and analysts alike, underscoring tensions between player priorities and league ambitions. Moving forward, the MLS must navigate these challenges to balance its growth objectives with the interests of its top talents as the 2026 World Cup draws closer.