MLS All-Star Game sees Messi and 11 Liga MX players withdraw

Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami forward, announced he will not play in the MLS All‑Star Game, thereby avoiding a suspension that was imposed after a similar situation last year. The league confirmed that both Messi and teammate Rodrigo de Paul will miss the event.

The MLS‑Liga MX exhibition also suffered the loss of eleven Liga MX players. Goalkeepers Nahuel Guzmán (Tigres UANL) and Keylor Navas (Pumas UNAM) were removed, and five Chivas players—Bryan González, Richy Ledezma, Brian Gutiérrez, Armando González and Santiago Sandoval—were withdrawn. Other omitted Mexican players include Gil Mora (Club Tijuana), Brian Rodríguez (Club América), Franco Romero (Toluca FC), and others. Replacements were named, such as Carlos Acevedo and Carlos Moreno for the goalkeeper spots.

The changes affect the roster for the All‑Star clash between MLS stars and Liga MX talent slated for Thursday morning.