Speculation has swirled around Lionel Messi’s potential participation in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game after the Argentine missed training sessions with the squad. However, with just under 24 hours until kickoff, the release of the official squad list has reignited hopes that the Inter Miami star will feature in the highly anticipated clash.
The MLS All-Stars are set to face off against the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday, July 23, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Players selected to represent Major League Soccer have already reported to training under head coach Nico Estévez, taking part in sessions held Monday and Tuesday.
Yet, noticeably absent from both training days were Inter Miami’s Messi and Jordi Alba. The duo also did not appear in the official MLS All-Star team photo taken on Monday, fueling doubts about whether Messi would suit up for the game—a major concern for fans and organizers alike.
On Tuesday, the finalized squad list was released, and Lionel Messi’s name appeared on it. The Argentine icon is listed in the seventh row and will wear his customary No. 10 jersey. Jordi Alba is also included and will don No. 18, matching the number he wears at Inter Miami.
Coach Estévez admitted he was unsure if Messi would ultimately feature, but his inclusion on the official list stands in contrast to other stars like Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez, whose jersey numbers remain blank amid uncertainty about their availability. According to reporter Alonso Inca, Messi is expected to arrive in Austin on Wednesday, keeping alive the possibility of a headline-making appearance.
Messi’s past All-Star absence looms
This marks Messi’s second MLS All-Star selection, with the first coming in 2024. That year, he was ruled out as “not available” due to an ankle injury suffered in the Copa América final, which prevented him from participating.
However, there’s precedent for late arrivals playing. In 2024, Inter Miami teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also missed the pregame training sessions but still started in the All-Star Game, which ended in a 4-1 win for the Liga MX All-Stars. That history gives hope Messi might still take the field in Austin, even if his status remains unconfirmed until the last minute.