The Major League Soccer All-Stars are set to face Liga MX All-Stars on July 23 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
The squad for the upcoming friendly match has 26 MLS players, including Lionel Messi, Hirving Lozano, Jordi Alba and Diego Rossi. The Argentine icon's presence in the game is of huge importance to the organisers as it attracts more attention to the event.
However, doubts over Messi featuring in the upcoming clash have surfaced, after the 38-year-old did not attend a training session.
Messi was not present for the MLS Skills Challenge, which takes place ahead of the All-Stars game, where the players participate in a range of skill-related games. Reports suggested the 38-year-old will miss the MLS All-Star Media Day as well.
Messi's potential absence could lead to him receiving a one-game suspension for Inter Miami in accordance with MLS rules.
A similar situation arose for Zlatan Ibrahimovic back in 2018, during his time at LA Galaxy. The Swedish star prioritised club matches over that year's MLS All-Stars game and had to serve a ban in their next league clash.
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What did MLS All-Stars coach say about Lionel Messi's absence?
MLS All-Stars coach Nico Estevez was asked for his thoughts on Messi's absence from training for the upcoming match.
"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," as per SPORTbible.
Messi-led Inter Miami are doing well in the MLS with four victories in their last five matches. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored a brace and provided an assist in the Herons' 5-1 win against New York Red Bulls in their last league clash on July 19.
If Messi misses the MLS All-Stars match, he could be forced to sit out Inter Miami's next league game on July 26, up against FC Cincinnati.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami news and related links
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