The USMNT legend rejected the idea that the Argentine is a victim, emphasising the responsibilities and expectations that come with being the league’s biggest star.
“Fascinating in the way that it has been handled and the reaction to it,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast.
“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.”
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