“Messi, You Need to Grow Up” – Ex-USA Defender Alexi Lalas Slams 8-Time Ballon d’Or Winner Over MLS All-Star Snub

Alexi Lalas Criticizes Lionel Messi Over MLS All-Star Game Snub

Former U.S. Men’s National Team defender Alexi Lalas has sparked debate by publicly calling out Lionel Messi for skipping the MLS All-Star Game, accusing the football icon of failing to uphold his professional obligations.

The Controversy: Messi Skips All-Star Game

Lionel Messi, now a marquee player for Inter Miami CF, was expected to feature in the much-anticipated All-Star showdown between Major League Soccer’s best and Liga MX All-Stars. However, the Argentine legend was absent from the match, which led to criticism, especially since his contract reportedly included a clause requiring participation.

As a result of the no-show, Messi was handed a one-match suspension by MLS — a rare disciplinary action against a high-profile player of his caliber.

Lalas Speaks Out: “Messi, You Need to Grow Up”

Speaking on his popular State of the Union podcast, Alexi Lalas didn’t hold back. While fans and some media outlets painted Messi’s absence as understandable or even admirable, Lalas was not buying into the narrative.

“Fascinating in the way that it has been handled and the reaction to it,” Lalas said.

“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 All-Star Game — that’s a little rich, and that’s a little ridiculous.”

Lalas continued by criticizing Messi’s failure to uphold the contractual terms he agreed to when joining MLS:

“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.”

Messi’s Response and Season Performance

Though Lionel Messi hasn’t officially responded to Lalas’ remarks, sources close to the player have claimed he was “extremely upset” about the one-match suspension. The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly cited physical fatigue and personal obligations as reasons for missing the exhibition match.

Still, Messi has had an impressive season in MLS, racking up 18 goals and 7 assists in just 18 games, continuing to prove his dominance on the pitch.

Fan and Media Reaction

The football community is divided. Some agree with Lalas, pointing out that contractual obligations must be taken seriously, especially for a player held up as a league ambassador. Others argue that Messi, who has brought global attention to MLS, should be afforded flexibility, especially given the demanding schedule and his previous contributions to the sport.

On social media, opinions vary widely:

• “Lalas is right. It’s a job. Messi should’ve shown up.”

• “He’s earned the right to skip one game. People need to relax.”

• “It’s MLS clout-chasing — using Messi’s name for ratings and now punishing him when he’s not their puppet.”

The Larger Picture: Expectations vs. Reality

This situation highlights the tension between Messi’s superstar status and MLS’s structural expectations. While the league benefits tremendously from his presence, it also faces the challenge of balancing promotion with professionalism.

Alexi Lalas’ comments may be viewed as harsh, but they underscore an important conversation about accountability, fan expectations, and contractual transparency in a league trying to expand its global reach.

FAQs

Q1: Why did Lionel Messi skip the MLS All-Star Game?
Messi has not officially given a reason, but sources say it was due to physical fatigue and scheduling conflicts.

Q2: Was Messi punished for not playing?
Yes, MLS handed him a one-match suspension for failing to honor a contractual obligation.

Q3: What did Alexi Lalas say about Messi?
He criticized Messi’s absence and urged him to “grow up” and honor his contract.

Q4: Has Messi responded to Lalas’ criticism?
As of now, Messi has not responded publicly to the comments.

Q5: How is Messi performing in the MLS this season?
Messi has scored 18 goals and provided 7 assists in 18 games — one of the league’s top performers.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s absence from the MLS All-Star Game has triggered a wave of opinions, none louder than that of Alexi Lalas, who questioned both Messi’s professionalism and the public’s glorification of his behavior. Whether fans side with Lalas or Messi, the incident draws attention to the delicate balance between celebrity status and professional responsibility in sports.

As Messi continues to shine on the field, how he navigates public expectations off the field will be just as pivotal in shaping his American legacy.