Latest news with #All-StarSkillsChallenge
News18
a day ago
- Sport
- News18
Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba Facing Suspension? Inter Miami Stars Miss MLS All-Star Game, Face Reprimand
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will miss the MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX at Q2 Stadium in Austin. Their absence could lead to suspensions as no injury reports were provided. Lionel Messi will not take part in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game against Liga MX, set to take place Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba will also be absent from the high-profile event. An MLS spokesperson confirmed that Inter Miami had informed league officials of the duo's non-participation. Both players have been notably absent from this week's All-Star festivities, including public appearances and the pre-match skills competition. According to league rules, any player who misses the All-Star Game without a legitimate injury or medical reason may face disciplinary consequences, including a one-match suspension from club play. As of now, MLS has not received a credible injury report for either Messi or Alba. The league has stated that it will consult with Inter Miami officials before making a final determination on potential suspensions. Messi also missed last year's All-Star Game due to injury, but this time, the absence has not been accompanied by an explanation. Jordi Alba had been scheduled to participate in Tuesday night's All-Star Skills Challenge, an annual component of All-Star Week. However, he was withdrawn from the event without any public reasoning, and neither Inter Miami nor MLS has issued a statement addressing his or Messi's absences. Their withdrawal comes as a disappointment for fans and organizers alike, especially considering the draw and star power both players bring to league events. MLS All-Star Game: A Key Fixture Since 1996 The MLS All-Star Game has been a staple of the league since its inception in 1996. Originally played in an East vs. West format similar to other American sports leagues, the event evolved to feature a single MLS All-Star team taking on elite clubs from around the world. Over the years, teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus, Roma, Tottenham, and Arsenal have faced off against MLS's best. More recently, the format has shifted to pit the MLS All-Stars against a select squad from Mexico's Liga MX, highlighting the growing competitive and commercial partnership between the two leagues. (with agency inputs) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
MLS All-Star Skills Challenge vs. Liga MX: Time, how to watch, rosters, events
Major League Soccer's All-Star Skills Challenge is set for Tuesday, July 22 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, featuring some of the top players from MLS facing off against the LIGA MX All-Stars in a series of skills contests starring some special guests. Players will compete in shooting, touch, cross & volley, passing, and crossbar challenges – plus the fan-favorite Goalie Wars, pitting goalkeepers against each other as they try to both score defend their nets. It's the second year in a row that the MLS All-Stars will face All-Stars from Mexico's top league, continuing a format that also ran in 2021-2022. From 2005-2019, the All-Star festivities featured MLS players facing a club from Europe. The MLS All-Star Game itself is Wednesday, July 23, a day after the skills challenge. Here's what you need to know: When is the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge? Watch 2025 MLS All-Star MLS All-Stars vs. LIGA MX All-Star Skills Challenge rosters (Italics indicate goalkeeper) MLS All-Star Skills Challenge events IShowSpeed will rep MLS in Skills Challenge MLS announced that the YouTube personality and social media influencer will participate in the All-Star Skills Challenge. The biggest test for IShowSpeed yet 👀🌟Catch him Tuesday (8pm CT) at the MLS Skills Challenge pres. by @att in 🎟️
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox Sports
YouTube Star IShowSpeed to Rep MLS in All-Star Skills Challenge
The stars will be out for the 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, and that includes content creators. MLS announced on Thursday that YouTube star and media personality IShowSpeed will participate in the All-Star Skills Challenge, which is on Tuesday, July 22 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. IShowSpeed, whose official name is Darren Watkins Jr., rose to fame as a teenager, primarily producing soccer-related content and live-streaming. Watkins, 20, has 42.5 million YouTube subscribers. IShowSpeed won the Streamer of the Year and Best International Streamer awards at the 2024 Streamer Awards. As for the All-Star Game (Wednesday, July 23), Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano provided an honest answer on whether he wants his stars, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, to compete in the spectacle. "The players are called up, I would like them to be able to rest, but that is not my decision," Mascherano said on Friday, according to ESPN. "I know how important the All Star [Game] is, and as far as I know there is no decision from the club, everything is as normal." Messi and Alba, who were previously teammates at Barcelona in La Liga, are each in their third seasons at Inter Miami. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience MLS recommended Item 1 of 1 Get more from the MLS Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Indianapolis Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge winner Natasha Cloud speaks to media
Natasha Cloud spoke to the media after her win in the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge on Friday, July 18, 2025.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Natasha Cloud wins WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge — and promises her partner a house
We've got you covered on the Liberty beat Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA. tRY IT NOW INDIANAPOLIS — Natasha Cloud was crowned this year's WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge champion Friday and promised her Liberty teammate and partner a house. Cloud bested a field of five in the first round after clocking in at 34.1 seconds. In the finals, she beat Erica Wheeler by 1.1 seconds to win the $55,000 prize. Wheeler was the first player to congratulate Cloud. Sabrina Ionescu — who ran down the sideline — was the second as she engulfed her in a tight hug. 3 New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud receives her trophy from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the 2025 WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Before the competition, Isabelle Harrison told Cloud she needed to win so they could put a down payment on a house. After being presented the glass pillar-like trophy, Cloud gushed about Harrison and how safe they feel playing in New York. She also told Harrison, 'You're gonna get that house.' Cloud also gave a shoutout to her parents, who couldn't make the trip to Indianapolis to watch her. 'Mom and dad, I love you all so much,' she said. 'This is for y'all. This award should've came a long time ago, but I got you 10 years in.' 3 New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud celebrates winning with girlfriend and teammate Isabelle Harrison during the 2025 WNBA All Star Skills Challenge at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images 3 New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud competes in the final round during the 2025 WNBA All Star Skills Challenge at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Cloud has never been named an All-Star, but she viewed participating in this year's skills challenge — which features an obstacle course that tests a player's passing precision and shooting — as a way to get her foot in the door. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
