Former US national team player Alexi Lalas has criticized Argentine forward Lionel Messi of Inter Miami for refusing to participate in the MLS All-Star Game.
That's a little rich, and that's a little ridiculous. He signed his contract. He knew that playing in the All-Star game was part of his contract. So he knew the rules. So Messi, you need to grow up. And if you didn't want to play in the All-Star game, you had the leverage at the moment you were signing your contract, and you should have negotiated for that.
Earlier, Messi, along with Spanish defender Jordi Alba of Inter Miami, missed the All-Star Game without the league's approval. As a result, both players were suspended for one regular-season game, which took place on July 27 against Cincinnati, ending in a 0-0 draw.
The All-Star Game ended with the MLS All-Stars defeating the Mexican league team 3-1.
Lionel Messi has been with Inter Miami since 2023. In 68 matches for the American club across all competitions, he has scored 58 goals and provided 26 assists.
His contract with the club runs until the end of December 2025. The 38-year-old Argentine's market value is estimated at 18 million euros, according to Transfermarkt.
Previously, it was reported that MLS might change its rules following Messi's suspension for missing the All-Star Game.
