Ben Hur Overview

Lionel Messi will once again be the notable absentee from the MLS All-Star Game this week in Charlotte, but the Inter Miami superstar is set to avoid the disciplinary action that followed his withdrawal last year. Despite being named to the roster for the showpiece event against the Liga MX All-Stars, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been granted special leave alongside international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi has undoubtedly raised the profile of MLS, but his decision to skip ASG could have lasting reverberations for the league

Per MLS rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval is ineligible for the next match

Austin delivered a world-class experience, but frustrations remain over Messi's absence and how the league handled it