Former United States international, Alexi Lalas, has expressed disappointment over the disciplinary action taken against Lionel Messi for missing the recent MLS All-Star Game, suggesting that Major League Soccer was too lenient.
Messi received a one-game suspension after skipping the high-profile exhibition match against the Liga MX All-Stars last week.
But according to Lalas, the punishment doesn’t match the stature and expectations placed on the Inter Miami superstar.
Speaking on his State of the Union podcast, Lalas pushed back against those defending Messi, stressing that the Argentine great should be held accountable like anyone else.
“Fascinating in the way that it has been handled and the reaction to it,” Lalas said.
“We all have either been involved or grown up watching All-Star games and the phenomenon of All-Star Game when it comes to multiple sports here. It’s very normal for us… But I will say that the framing that is happening right now of Messi as some saint, waging some righteous fight against the perceived evils and ills of MLS and its structure, or even the very concept of an 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. You need to participate. 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.”
Lalas’ remarks highlight a growing debate about how MLS should navigate the responsibilities of global stars like Messi, especially when their actions challenge long-standing league traditions.