'Not the same': How Columbus Crew All-Stars feel about playing without Lionel Messi
The MLS All-Star roster is missing a big name with Lionel Messi ruled out for the game on Wednesday at Lower.com Field. And while Rudy Camcho realizes the missed opportunity being without the Inter Miami forward for this event, some of the Crew defender's closest loved ones are even more disappointed about Messi's absence.
"It’s not the same without Messi, but it’s like this," Camacho said. "There’s a lot of good players, and it’s more for my kids, they were excited to see Messi."
Messi is no longer taking part in the All-Star game due to a ligament injury in his right ankle he suffered in the Copa America final on July 14 while representing Argentina. After missing the two most recent Miami matches following the final, Messi was ruled out for All-Star on Monday.
This All-Star was set to be Messi's first since joining the league in July, as he was one of the 12 players voted onto to the MLS roster this year.
Crew striker and All-Star Cucho Hernandez was excited about the prospect of playing with Messi, but with Hernandez himself having dealt with a back injury this season, he understands the importance of a proper recovery.
"I just want to wish him a good and quick recovery," Hernandez said. "Of course, we want him to be here, but he’s injured. But we’re so happy here with these guys, all of them, they are All-Stars and I’m just enjoying a lot, every single moment here."
It is a general consensus among the five Crew All-Stars. They all wanted to play with Messi.
Ahead of his third All-Star appearance, Darlington Nagbe called Messi, "one of the greats" and defender Steven Moreira, who is playing in his first All-Star Game since joining the Crew in 2022, was looking forward to seeing what Messi brought to the team.
"Honestly, he’s the greatest player, (greatest) baller in MLS," Moreira said. "I would really enjoy training with these people and watching him do some skills and stuff."
The All-Star game in Columbus was going to be the first time Crew players would be on the same field as the Messi. On June 19, the first meeting between the Crew and Miami since Messi's signing, he was unavailable due to training for Copa America.
There is a possibility that the Crew face Miami in the Leagues Cup. If the Leagues Cup matchup doesn't happen, Miami is scheduled to travel to Lower.com Field for a game on Oct. 2.
"Obviously, he’s an amazing player," Crew All-Star Diego Rossi said. "But just wait until that match. It doesn’t change the way that you train or work. So, it could be nice if he was here with us, but there will be another opportunity.”
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew share thoughts on Lionel Messi missing MLS All-Star Game
