Austin delivered a world-class experience, but frustrations remain over Messi's absence and how the league handled it
AUSTIN, Texas – Major League Soccer’s 29th All-Star Game, in many ways, mirrored the city that hosted it. Austin is a hip, tech-forward city with a distinct sense of funk – just ask anyone who’s wandered down its famous Sixth Street. In a place where there are driverless taxis and robotic cowboys, MLS leaned into the same spirit of innovation.
Commissioner Don Garber used the midsummer showcase to unveil the league’s new initiative, dubbed MLS 3.0.
From Austin FC’s striking Q2 Stadium and pristine St. David’s Performance Center to the league’s increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence and tech-powered enhancements – spanning everything from gameday experiences to scouting – MLS made its priorities clear during its Future of the Game Showcase.
The ambition: stay ahead of the curve. And the fans showed up, too, taking over downtown and packing the stands at the various events – including Wednesday's All-Star Game, in which MLS downed Liga MX, 3-1 – regardless of which players actually featured.
“I’m going to start by thanking the fans that came to the stadium yesterday and today,” MLS All-Star coach Nico Estévez after the game. “When you do these types of events, it’s great to have fans around and supporting. We felt the passion they show every time we play at home. It’s good that everyone in this country can see that, too.”
Yet, it wasn't all great for MLS. Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, for whatever reason, was a no-show for All-Star week, despite being the leading vote-getter. So was teammate Jordi Alba, who technically skipped two All-Star events, as he was also scheduled to play in the Skills Challenge. The league's response to all of that left a lot to be desired.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from eventful MLS All-Star week.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWINNER: THE ACTUAL ALL-STAR GAME
All-Star games across all sports are losing relevance, as seen in declining TV ratings and engagement among younger audiences. Some of that is due to a perceived lack of competitiveness – particularly in the NBA's showcase and the NFL's Pro Bowl, which has literally been converted into a high-priced flag football game.
MLS had come under the same microscope after it's All-Star teams lost by a combined 9-1 scoreline to Arsenal and Liga MX over the previous two events.
On Wednesday, both MLS and the Liga MX All-Stars put on a show, and the two-goal win by the home side was slightly flattering, considering Liga MX trailed by just one goal until the final 10 minutes, when Vancouver's Brian White sealed it.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLOSER: LIONEL MESSI AND INTER MIAMI
Austin's leading local newspaper, the Austin Chronicle, had this to say about Messi's decision to skip the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
"We can easily guess why Messi isn’t coming," wrote Eric Goodman. "Either A) he’s scared to death to be on the same pitch as old El Clásico rival Sergio Ramos once more, or B) because he just simply doesn’t feel like it. We’re gonna go with B, and that’s some weak sh*t."
Well said.
There is a human element to all of this, with some families spending exorbitantly just to get a glimpse of their icon. The Argentine also made unwanted history. In the last 30 years, no top vote-getter in North American professional sports has declined to play in their league's annual All-Star showcase.
Inter Miami also deserves their fair share of blame. Imagine a MLB All-Star Game not featuring a New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers star? Or an NBA All-Star game without Los Angeles Lakers players involved? Messi wasn't the only Miami player slated for the match, as Alba could have represented the team.
And if, as Garber says, Alba had a potential injury, it is incumbent on the organization to notify MLS and coordinate a replacement to represent the team.
Getty Images EntertainmentWINNER: THE CITY OF AUSTIN
Yes, University of Texas Football still reigns supreme, and is everywhere. But Austin acquitted itself well as a soccer city, especially for younger fans – which is MLS's target demographic. There were hipster cafes selling Austin FC-themed gear. There was signage all over town – highlighting both the All-Star Game and the city's local team.
There were Austin FC-focused bars, and the club listed more than 25 pub partners on its official website.
All-Star week was a celebration of the city's first professional franchise, which played its first game in 2021 and has sold out every home game since. Judging by its turnout and engagement, there's room for more professional sports in this fast-growing city.
"The events have been spectacular. It's probably one of our most successful in history," Garber said.
Getty Images SportLOSER: DON GARBER AND MLS
The moment Garber praised Messi's social media following in his midseason address Wednesday, saying how much it has been as a boost to the league, it was clear that accountability isn't necessarily on the table for player or team – despite rules and precedent set by the league.
Being a Commissioner is difficult. The league's 30 owners are the boss, and Garber's job – among other aspects – is to sell MLS as an attractive destination for potential players from around the globe. But he sent the wrong message to fans and players in the league.
Garber declined to say whether Messi or Alba will be disciplined for their absences, but admitted the league should have been more proactive in confirming the players' status ahead of its marquee summer event. It's unclear whether either player will be suspended for Miami's next game, but the fact Garber wasn't decisive on the issue is concerning.
If they Miami duo are not suspended, that could set precedent for future All-Star participation. The Commissioner needed to be firm and resolute, and he wasn't.