Major League Soccer's best players are headed to Columbus for next week's All-Star Game, but some fans may be disappointed, as the biggest star may not play.
Why it matters: Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi , one of the most talented soccer players and famous people on the planet, was expected to participate in the game for the first time and make his Columbus debut.
Yes, but: Messi has suffered an ankle injury. He didn't play in Miami's match on Wednesday and is being evaluated on a weekly basis, his coach said that night .
- As of Thursday, it wasn't clear if he'll appear in next Wednesday's exhibition at Lower.com Field or make public appearances during this weekend's festivities.
- An MLS spokesperson declined to comment.
Context: Messi draws huge crowds and boosts ticket prices in MLS cities from coast to coast.
- His presence could help contribute to the $20 million of direct spending local officials expect during local All-Star festivities.
State of play: Even without Messi mania, the sold-out All-Star Game remains an opportunity for Columbus to showcase itself as a major sports hub , while keeping the Crew in the spotlight as the defending MLS champions , local officials say.
- Columbus previously hosted the All-Star Game in 2000 and 2005 at what is now Historic Crew Stadium.
What they're saying: "We are a different city … the community has grown up so much since the first two times that we hosted," Linda Logan, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, tells Axios.
- Since then, Columbus solidified itself as the "spiritual home" of the U.S. Men's National Team, saved the Crew franchise from departing for Texas and opened a new stadium in the Arena District.
- "The fact that we as a community were on the brink of losing all that, and to think that we're at the center of all things soccer, just goes to show you how important those grassroots efforts were to keep the team here," Logan says.
If you go: 8pm Wednesday, MLS vs. Liga MX. As of Friday morning, resale tickets start around $55 .
What's next: There should be another chance to see Messi locally in October, if you're willing to break the bank.
- Resale tickets for the Crew's Oct. 2 home match against Inter Miami start at $205, with the most expensive seats $808 apiece.
- Identical seats for a Sept. 21 match against Orlando are available for just $65.
Meet the Crew's All-Stars
Crew All-Star Rudy Camacho, one of six players on the MLS roster. Photo: Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Enjoy some fun facts about the six Crew representatives on the MLS All-Star roster.
Cucho Hernández, forward: A player scout discovered 15-year-old Cucho during an exhibition played on a Colombian mountain.
Diego Rossi, forward: His father is Italian and his mother is Armenian, but he was born in Uruguay and has played for that country's national team.
Darlington Nagbe, midfielder: He's played 33,893 career minutes in 14 MLS seasons — long enough to watch the movie "Shrek" 380 consecutive times.
Rudy Camacho, defender: He's the only active MLS player named "Rudy."
Steven Moreira, defender: He's from Noisy-le-Grand, France, a "Hunger Games" film site .
Wilfried Nancy, coach: One of his favorite songs is Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come.
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