Javier Mascherano uneasy with Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba playing in MLS All-Star game: ‘I’d like them to rest’

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are among the Inter Miami stars selected for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, which will feature a high-profile clash against the Liga MX All-Stars. However, head coach Javier Mascherano expressed concern over their involvement, stating plainly: “I’d like them to rest.”

As in the 2024 edition, Messi and Alba have been named to represent MLS in the All-Star showcase, joining 30 other players selected for the event. For Messi, this will mark his first appearance in the game after missing last year’s edition due to an ankle injury sustained during the 2024 Copa América. But during a press conference on Friday morning, Mascherano made it clear he would prefer his veteran players sit this one out to rest and recover.

“The players have been called up (to the MLS All-Stars) and I would like them to be able to rest. I know how important the All-Star Game is, and as far as I know, there’s no decision from the club—everything remains normal,” Mascherano said, showing clear discomfort with the lack of rest for his key players.

Players are selected to the All-Star roster through fan and media voting, coach selections (this year by Nico Estevez), or appointments by MLS Commissioner Don Garber. In this case, Messi and Alba earned their spots through fan voting, reflecting widespread support for their presence as ambassadors for the league.

Inter Miami are navigating a challenging stretch of the season, with multiple players sidelined due to injuries and a congested fixture list. With Messi and Alba now also committed to the All-Star Game, Mascherano will have to manage their workload carefully as fatigue becomes a growing concern.

MLS All-Star Game adds to Inter Miami’s schedule crunch

The MLS All-Stars will face the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday, July 23, at 9 p.m. ET at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Unfortunately for Inter Miami, the timing adds strain to an already packed calendar, further complicated by the club’s participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Before the All-Star Game, Inter Miami are set to travel to New York to face the Red Bulls on Saturday, July 19, followed by a home match against FC Cincinnati on July 26. That puts the All-Star Game right between two critical MLS fixtures, disrupting any chance for rest and recovery for Messi and Alba—just ahead of the Leagues Cup kickoff.