All eyes on Lionel Messi: Will he suit up for MLS All-Stars against Sergio Ramos and Liga MX All-Stars? Boss Nicolas Estevez responds

As the MLS All-Star Game nears, all eyes are on Austin, Texas, where some of the biggest names in North American soccer are set to collide in a dazzling midseason showcase. This year’s spectacle carries an emotional edge: Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos could once again share a pitch, reigniting memories of countless El Clasico battles. The twist? One will lead the MLS All-Stars, the other the Liga MX All-Stars.

But with just hours before kickoff at Q2 Stadium, a single question dominates headlines and fan debates alike: Will Messi actually play?

The All-Star Game is no ordinary friendly. Beyond being a celebration of talent, it’s an emblem of the league’s growing stature. The 2025 edition is especially loaded, featuring stars like Sergio Ramos, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, James Rodriguez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Canales. Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi was named in the squad alongside teammate Jordi Alba, and expectations skyrocketed.

However, with the match looming, Messi has yet to appear in training, raising doubts about his participation. He played a full match just days ago as Inter Miami crushed the NY Red Bulls 5-1, but has not joined his All-Star teammates on the pitch since.

What did MLS’s All-Star boss say?

MLS All-Star coach Nico Estevez, who leads Austin FC in regular competition, faced immediate questions about Messi’s absence during Monday’s press conference.

“I don’t know. That question should be asked to the MLS officials. I just coach the players they give me. Of course, I’d love for him to play. It would be a pleasure to work, even if just for a short time, with the greatest of all time,” the manager said.

Despite Estevez’s uncertainty, the MLS insists Messi will feature in Wednesday’s clash. On its official channels, the league promoted Messi as the next global star to headline its All-Star celebration — a clear sign of intent to showcase its biggest asset.

Could Messi face suspension?

As fans hold their breath, there’s a regulatory subplot as well. MLS rules state that any selected All-Star who declines to play without a valid injury must sit out one regular-season match. For Messi, that could mean missing Inter Miami’s key game against FC Cincinnati this weekend.

This very rule has precedent. In 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimovic skipped the All-Star match due to fixture congestion and received a one-game suspension despite issuing a statement thanking fans. It’s a situation Inter Miami fans know all too well. Messi also missed last year’s All-Star Game due to an ankle injury picked up in the 2024 Copa America final. Now, without official word on his health and with fatigue a likely factor, the drama builds.