(Video) US legend Slams Messi over All Star Game Absence | OneFootball

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·29 July 2025

(Video) US legend Slams Messi over All Star Game Absence

Article image:(Video) US legend Slams Messi over All Star Game Absence

Alexi Lalas says Messi must grow up and take responsibility as MLS star

(Video) US legend Slams Messi over All Star Game Absence

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Lionel Messi's under fire after his suspension by Major League Soccer MLS with US football legend Alexi Lalas launching scathing attack on the Inter Miami captain for skipping the All Star Game without prior approval.

What Happened?

The MLS officially suspended Messi for one match citing violation of league rules after he failed to appear in the All Star Game in Texas without securing pre approval.

According to MLS regulations, any player called up for the event must attend, unless they’ve received official exemption in advance.

Lalas: "Messi Knew the Rules"

Speaking on his State of the Union podcast, Lalas dismissed claims that Messi was treated unfairly:

"He’s not victim here. He knew the commitment when he signed. If he didn’t want to play, he should’ve negotiated that out of his contract"

The former USA defender was blunt:

"Portraying Messi as some noble figure fighting the evils of the MLS system is absurd he’s not above the game"

"Time to Grow Up"

Lalas added that Messi’s global status doesn’t exempt him from responsibilities:

"All of us grew up watching All Star events , it’s normal part of sports. Messi must grow up, respect the league and show up like everyone else"..

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