Football BaBe
- Messi, Alba off final MLS ASG roster
- Alba skipped Tuesday’s Skills Challenge
- Messi, Alba face suspension, per MLS rules
Star Power Missing: Why Messi and Alba Are Sitting Out the MLS All-Star Spectacle
In a surprising twist for soccer enthusiasts, the highly anticipated MLS All-Star Game is set to proceed without two of its biggest names from Inter Miami. Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have been officially excluded from the final lineup, sparking discussions about league protocols and player commitments. This development comes amid the excitement building up to the clash between top MLS talents and Liga MX stars at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. As fans gear up for this midseason highlight, the absence of these icons raises questions about potential repercussions and the evolving dynamics within Major League Soccer.
Key Absences in the MLS All-Star Game Lineup
The league has verified that neither Lionel Messi nor Jordi Alba will feature in the upcoming showdown against Liga MX’s elite. Scheduled for Wednesday evening, this event pits the best of MLS against their Mexican counterparts in a thrilling exhibition at Austin’s Q2 Stadium.
Both players opted out of the preparatory activities leading up to the game, with Alba notably absent from the Skills Challenge held on Tuesday evening, even though he was initially selected. According to MLS regulations, such non-participation could result in disciplinary actions like suspensions, barring any legitimate health-related excuses.
Player Reactions to the High-Profile No-Shows
Fellow All-Stars have shared mixed feelings about the duo’s absence. Many were looking forward to sharing the field with Messi, widely regarded as one of soccer’s all-time greats.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to team up with someone who’s redefined the game. I’d cherish every moment on the pitch with him,” said midfielder Cristian Espinoza in an interview with BALLGM, echoing the sentiment of anticipation that quickly turned to disappointment.
Others admitted to a touch of bewilderment. “It’s a bit unexpected since they were listed, but everyone has their personal priorities,” noted Diego Luna during Tuesday’s events.
Behind the Scenes: Reasons and Potential Consequences
Reports from The Athletic indicate that Inter Miami informed the league that Messi and Alba would not be making the trip to Texas for the match. While the MLS has yet to announce any punitive measures, a spokesperson mentioned, “We’ll need to discuss with the club to determine their status for the weekend fixture.”
Inter Miami is slated to resume regular season action on Saturday, adding urgency to resolve any issues swiftly. Historically, the league has prioritized featuring marquee names in this annual event, with legends like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Kaka gracing past editions. A notable precedent occurred in 2018 when Zlatan Ibrahimovic chose not to attend, resulting in a suspension from his LA Galaxy duties.
Ibrahimovic famously quipped about the decision, “It’s their rules, but I operate in a different reality.” He did, however, participate the following year. In Messi’s case, the situation is nuanced, as the Argentine superstar is currently in talks to renew his deal with Inter Miami and the MLS, potentially prolonging his tenure in the U.S. league. Recent buzz also suggests the club is on the verge of acquiring his compatriot, Rodrigo de Paul, from Atletico Madrid, which could bolster their squad amid a strong 2024 season where Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference with 53 points as of late July.
Evolution of MLS All-Star Traditions
This marks the 29th installment of the MLS All-Star Game, a tradition that continues to grow in prestige by bringing together North American soccer’s finest. The matchup against Liga MX All-Stars not only highlights cross-league rivalries but also serves as a platform for emerging talents to shine. With updates from the 2024 season showing a record attendance average of over 22,000 fans per game league-wide, events like this are crucial for sustaining momentum and attracting global attention.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Inter Miami and MLS
As the game unfolds without Messi and Alba, attention turns to how this might affect team morale and league policies. Their potential suspensions could impact Inter Miami’s push for playoffs, especially with key matches looming. Nonetheless, the All-Star Game remains a celebration of the sport’s vibrancy in the region, promising an electrifying night for fans in Austin.
