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- Hislop believes Messi’s age makes rest priority
- Gomez suggests ASG will sellout regardless
- Both acknowledge Mascherano’s preference
There has been much discussion about Lionel Messi’s inclusion in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, and whether the Inter Miami superstar will actually make his debut in the event Wednesday night. While chosen for the roster, neither Messi or teammate Jordi Alba participated in his week’s All-Star training sessions, and their game participation status is uncertain.
ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop addressed the topic, arguing against the Argentine’s inclusion despite obvious commercial benefits. The former الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز goalkeeper stressed that he doesn’t think the 38-year-old Messi should play, echoing the sentiments of Miami coach Javier Mescherano, who recommended rest for the veteran player.
“I don’t think Messi should play in the All Star game,” Hislop said on the Futbol Americas podcast. “While we fawn over Lionel Messi and his performances, he is 38 years old and – from an Inter Miami and Javier Mascherano perspective – the more rest he can get, the better, because that opens up those opportunities for Inter Miami.
“Given the standing and what the MLS All-star game means to this league, to U.S soccer, I’ll say this – how do you think the attendance will be affected if Lionel Messi does not play the MLS All-star game? As simple as that. I think that kind of details the impact that he continues to have on the game in this country. And as a result, I don’t see how the All-Star Game goes on without Lionel Messi, despite Mascherano’s concerns.”
Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez suggested that Messi’s absence could impact sponsorship revenue and commercial partnerships.
“I just think it’s going to sell out either way, but certainly the sponsorship dollars are not be the same without Lionel Messi,” Gomez said. “I think that’s the major thing here. And, Javier Mascherano, a coach, not wanting his star player to play in an All-Star Game is nothing new on this side of the border, this side of the continent. You can go to NBA games, you can go to MLB games, you go to any type of All-Star game, the Pro Bowl. They don’t want their players to play, the players don’t want to play, they don’t want to risk injury.
“We just saw, literally the MLB All-Star Game, Clayton Kershaw, pitches two outs and Dave Roberts, National League coach, is like, ‘Get out of here, his player, you’re done, night’s over.’ Nobody wants their star player to play in this type of environment.”
Gomez understands why Mascherano doesn’t want to risk losing his biggest star.
“Why would Javier Mascherano want 38-year-old Messi, who’s got a lot on his plate, to play in a game that, to him, is meaningless?” he said. “Think about all the things that he’s done this year. He’s played in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, he’s played in the Club كأس العالم, OK? He missed a ton of games because of the national team and he’s missed games in league play because of injury. And yet he is still right now the MLS Golden Boot leader, and he’s the reason that Mascherano has a job… so why would he want to star player to play? I completely understand.”
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Lionel Messi has made 29 appearances for Inter Miami this season across three competitions, contributing to 24 goals and eight assists.
The 29th edition of the MLS All-Star Game will be played Wednesday night in Austin, Texas, with top MLS players taking on Liga MX All-Stars.
