# Messi Skips All-Star, MLS TV Deal, Griezmann MLS Debut, Transfer Moves

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-messi-effect-the-2026-world-cup-6458829/messi-skips-all-star-mls-tv-deal-griezmann-mls-debut-transfer-moves
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-messi-effect-the-2026-world-cup-6458829/messi-skips-all-star-mls-tv-deal-griezmann-mls-debut-transfer-moves.md
Podcast: [The Messi Effect: Daily Soccer Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-messi-effect-the-2026-world-cup-6458829)
Published: 2026-07-27T11:36:04+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/messi-skips-all-star-mls-tv-deal-griezmann-mls-debut-transfer-moves--73191488
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/rss.pdrl.fm/91a7dc/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73191488/episode.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-messi-effect-the-2026-world-cup-6458829/episodes/messi-skips-all-star-mls-tv-deal-griezmann-mls-debut-transfer-moves
Duration seconds: 204

## Resource

Today's Monday episode dives into the business of MLS and the contradiction at its core. Lead with Lionel Messi skipping the MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte alongside Rodrigo De Paul, excused under FIFPro's 21-day World Cup rest rule — no suspension this time, unlike the 2025 incident when Messi and Jordi Alba were banned. Second story: MLS is targeting a $400-500 million annual TV deal when the Apple agreement expires after 2029, up from $250M/year, while facing a crowded US soccer market and a planned USL top-flight league with promotion/relegation in 2028. Third story: the connective angle — MLS is selling future rights partners on Messi and World Cup momentum, but Messi keeps skipping marquee events and will not play forever. Fourth story: Antoine Griezmann scored in his MLS debut for Orlando City, a 4-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes, showing a model for MLS beyond Messi. Closer: European market still moving — Arsenal prepared to make Vinícius Júnior their highest-paid player ever, Inter in talks with Tottenham over Cristian Romero, and John Stones drawing Serie A interest. Subscribe for Premier League, MLS & Champions League coverage. AI was used for news gathering and production assistance. #Messi #MLSAllStar #MLS #AppleTV #FIFPro #Griezmann #OrlandoCity #Vinicius #Arsenal #RealMadrid #Romero #Inter #Tottenham #JohnStones #ManCity #SerieA #WorldCup2026 #Football #Soccer #CalorogaSharkMedia

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