In a disappointing turn of events for soccer fans, Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine forward for Inter Miami, will be sidelined for this week's MLS All-Star Game. Major League Soccer confirmed Messi's absence from the highly anticipated match just days after he sustained an ankle injury during the Copa America final.
Messi, who recently made his much-anticipated debut for Inter Miami in July 2023, was set to showcase his talent in the MLS All-Star Game for the first time. His arrival in the league had sparked excitement among fans, eager to witness the legendary footballer in action on American soil after his illustrious career in Europe.
Having already left an indelible mark on the MLS with 12 goals and 13 assists in just 12 games of the 2024 season, Messi's absence from the All-Star Game is a significant blow to both Inter Miami and the league as a whole. The 37-year-old's unmatched skills and contributions had propelled him to the title of the quickest player to achieve 25 goal involvements in an MLS season.
Despite his absence, the MLS All-Star Game promises to be a thrilling showdown between top talents from both MLS clubs and Mexico's LIGA MX. Scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT) on July 24th in Columbus, Ohio, the match will undoubtedly captivate fans with its display of exceptional soccer prowess, albeit without the presence of the iconic Lionel Messi.