So, Messi’s absence is a big change for his team and the league, and everyone hopes he stays healthy and back on the field soon! In 2025, Messi is still playing really well. He has scored 18 goals in 18 games, which is amazing! Because of his skill, he was chosen to play in the MLS All-Star game, a special match where the best players in the league come together to show off their talents.

However, just a day before the game, Messi didn’t show up. The league said he wasn’t there, and it looked like he wasn’t going to play. According to the rules, if a player like Messi is picked for the All-Star game but chooses not to play, he has to sit out his team’s next game. So, because Messi didn’t play in the All-Star game, he can’t play in his next match against FC Cincinnati.

This rule is to make sure players don’t skip the game just to rest, because it’s a special event watched by many people on TV. People wondered why Messi wasn’t in the game. The most likely reason is that he wanted to rest. He’s 38 years old now and has played a lot of soccer, so he might need a break to stay healthy.

Messi has played many minutes this season, and playing in the All-Star game could have made him tired or hurt himself. Lionel Messi is a famous soccer player who started playing for a team called Inter Miami in the United States in summer 2023.

Since then, he has made a big difference because he’s very good at soccer and is well-known all around the world. He helped his team win two big trophies—first the Leagues Cup and then another one called the Supporters’ Shield.