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The stars were supposed to be out in Austin—but now Lionel Messi won’t be one of them. The Inter Miami forward and most bet-on player to score has officially withdrawn from tonight’s <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/soccer">MLS All-Star Game</a> against the Liga MX All-Stars, sending shockwaves through sportsbooks and reshaping the prop market ahead of kickoff at Q2 Stadium.
Despite the Messi scratch, the MLS side remains the public’s pick. At +130, the MLS All-Stars are pulling in 55% of bets and 57% of the handle, holding firm as narrow favorites. Liga MX All-Stars are right there at +125, with a significant 36% handle share, despite getting fewer total bets (31%). Meanwhile, 14% of tickets are on the draw (+300), accounting for just 7% of the money.
Let’s break down the most popular betting angles, where the value lies post-Messi, and which stars to watch.
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<h2 data-start="944" data-end="993">Top Betting Props: Public Leaning Defense</h2>
With Messi now scratched, the goalscoring spotlight is wide open. But before he pulled out, Messi (+100) was the most bet player to score. In his absence, expect sharp bettors to re-allocate toward top Liga MX threats like Paulinho, Henry Martín, and Alexis Vega—or maybe even a deep-value dart like Denis Bouanga or Carles Gil.
As for match props, the public has a defensive script in mind:
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Both teams to score – No (+260) is a heavily bet ticket, suggesting bettors expect one side to get blanked.
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Under 3.5 goals (+125) is another popular play, indicating skepticism of a high-scoring fireworks show despite the All-Star billing.
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<h2 data-start="1670" data-end="1715">Match Breakdown: Roster Talent &amp; Edge</h2>
Even without Messi, the MLS roster has serious talent. Names like Diego Rossi, Cristian Espinoza, Hany Mukhtar, and Evander provide plenty of spark. Defensively, Miles Robinson, Michael Boxall, and Jordi Alba bring experience to a backline that will need to contain a Liga MX attack loaded with playmakers like James Rodríguez, Juan Brunetta, and Sergio Canales.
Liga MX may actually hold the edge in midfield fluidity and familiarity, and with Sergio Ramos anchoring their backline, they’ve got a veteran presence built for this type of match. The real question? Which side treats it like an exhibition—and which one plays to win?
<h2 data-start="2388" data-end="2445">Final Verdict: Bettors Backing MLS—But It’s Tight</h2>
The public is siding with the MLS All-Stars, but the handle numbers say it’s not a landslide. Liga MX is getting real backing from sharper bettors, and with Messi out, the odds may be more even than they look. If you&#8217;re looking for a bet tonight, keep an eye on Paulinho as an anytime scorer, or lean into Under 3.5 goals if you think both sides play this one closer to the vest.
BetMGM data is based on straight bets.
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Messi is out, but bettors are still backing the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX. Here's the latest odds, handle splits, and prop action ahead of kickoff in Austin.

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