Messi doubtful for All-Star game as potential suspension looms

Lionel Messi has not participated in either of the two training sessions for the MLS All-Star team, casting a shadow over his potential presence in the All-Star match, where stars from this league will face off against those from Liga MX.

The Q2 Stadium in Austin will host the All-Star match between the best of the MLS and Liga MX on Wednesday. Messi is the headline name in the MLS squad, but the Inter Miami star has not taken part in Monday's or Tuesday's training sessions in Austin.

"Regarding Leo, that's a question more for the league, for his club. I simply train and manage the players they give me," said Nico Estevez on Monday.

"I hope he will be there because having the best player of all time here is very important for everyone. I hope so. I'm always very optimistic about everything. And why not? I hope he can be here," he added.

His teammate Jordi Alba has also been absent from All-Star training, and he was also scheduled to compete in Tuesday's skills challenge. However, the Spanish left-back did not appear.

Unless a player is injured, the MLS imposes a one-match suspension on those who decide not to attend the All-Star game. This is what happened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2018 when he was part of Los Angeles Galaxy.

On the Mexican side, there was also a notable absence on Tuesday: Colombian player James Rodriguez (Leon), who was also going to participate in the skills challenge but ultimately did not take part. The New York Times reported that James will not play on Wednesday but could not confirm whether Messi will be present or not.

There were also doubts about the presence of Sergio Ramos (Monterrey), but Liga MX president Mikel Arriola announced on Tuesday night that the Spanish defender will take to the pitch in the All-Star match and will also captain the Mexican team.