Messi Skips MLS All-Star Game as League Grants World Cup Exemption

Messi Skips MLS All-Star Game as League Grants World Cup Exemption

Deb Kowalczyk from Hudson River Blue Read More  ​[[{“value”:”

MLS confirmed Saturday that Lionel Messi will not be required to participate in next week’s All-Star Game, citing his involvement in the World Cup final with Argentina as grounds for the exemption.

What It Means for the All-Star Showcase

particularly for a league that has leaned heavily on Messi’s presence

Rear view of Lionel Messi wearing a pink Inter Miami CF jersey with the number 10 and his name on the back
Lionel Messi pictured in his Inter Miami CF kit for an MLS Season Pass promotion.

Whether that tradeoff is worth it is hard to argue against. Asking a player to perform in an exhibition event and the league appears to have reached that conclusion without much hand-wringing.

The NYCFC Angle

For City supporters, and how the league’s broader approach to World Cup recovery windows affects the back end of the MLS regular season. that the overlap between international commitments and league obligations

New York City FC players in light blue and green kits huddling in a circle under a bright sky.
New York City FC announces their official 2025 MLS season schedule.

and the league’s willingness to grant exemptions here –

The more interesting subplot

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