Football BaBe
- Hislop believes Messi’s age makes rest priority
- Gomez suggests ASG will sellout regardless
- Both acknowledge Mascherano’s preference
Debating Lionel Messi’s Role in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game
As the excitement builds for the upcoming MLS All-Star Game, questions swirl around whether Lionel Messi, the iconic forward for Inter Miami, should take the field. With his unparalleled skills and global fame, Messi’s potential participation could elevate the event, but concerns about his health and performance longevity are prompting experts to advocate for caution. This debate highlights the balance between showcasing star power and prioritizing player welfare in a league that’s rapidly growing in prominence.
Expert Opinions on Messi Skipping the MLS All-Star Game
The conversation surrounding Lionel Messi’s possible debut in the MLS All-Star Game has intensified, especially with the event set for Wednesday in Austin, Texas. Although selected for the squad, Messi and his Inter Miami colleague Jordi Alba have skipped the preparatory sessions this week, leaving fans guessing about their involvement.
Shaka Hislop’s Take on Rest for Messi
Renowned ESPN commentator Shaka Hislop has voiced strong reservations about featuring the Argentine legend in the match, prioritizing recovery over promotional gains. Drawing from his experience as a ex-Premier League shot-stopper, Hislop aligns with Inter Miami’s manager Javier Mascherano’s view that conserving energy is crucial for the aging athlete.
“Messi shouldn’t step onto the pitch for this All-Star showdown,” Hislop stated during a recent episode of the Futbol Americas show. “Sure, we all admire Messi’s brilliance on the field, but at 38, from the standpoint of Inter Miami and coach Mascherano, maximizing his downtime is key to unlocking the team’s full potential.”
He further pondered the broader implications: “Consider the prestige of the MLS All-Star Game and its significance for the league and American soccer. Would ticket sales plummet if Messi sits it out? That question alone underscores his enduring influence here. Consequently, it’s hard to envision the game proceeding without him, even with Mascherano’s valid worries.”
Herculez Gomez on Commercial Impacts and Coach Perspectives
Ex-US national team player Herculez Gomez highlighted how Messi’s non-participation might affect financial aspects like endorsements and business deals tied to the event.
“The stadium will likely fill up no matter what, but the revenue from sponsors could take a hit without Messi,” Gomez explained. “That’s the critical factor. And it’s not unusual for a manager like Mascherano to shield his key asset from an exhibition match-it’s a common stance across sports. Look at the NBA All-Star festivities or MLB’s showcase; coaches and athletes alike avoid unnecessary risks to prevent mishaps.”
“We witnessed something similar in the recent MLB All-Star Game, where stars like Shohei Ohtani were limited to brief appearances to safeguard their seasons,” Gomez added, offering a fresh parallel to emphasize the protective mindset. “No one wants their top talent exposed in a low-stakes setting.”
Understanding Mascherano’s Protective Stance
Gomez empathizes with why Mascherano is hesitant to expose his premier talent to potential harm.
“For a 38-year-old like Messi, who’s juggled an intense schedule, why add a non-essential game?” he questioned. “He’s competed in major tournaments like the Copa America, dealt with international duties, and battled injuries, yet he remains atop the MLS scoring charts with impressive numbers. Updated stats show Messi leading with 12 goals in just 12 league matches this season, underscoring his value. Mascherano knows preserving him is vital for Inter Miami’s success-it’s a no-brainer.”
Messi’s Season Performance and All-Star Game Details
This year, Lionel Messi has featured in 29 matches for Inter Miami across various tournaments, tallying 24 goals and providing eight assists, demonstrating his continued dominance despite challenges.
The 29th MLS All-Star Game pits elite MLS talents against Liga MX‘s finest in Austin, Texas, promising a thrilling clash on Wednesday evening.
