Concerns linger over Messi's fitness, especially after a close call Thursday, but that's not the only reason he sat out Sunday's match versus Montreal.
Lionel Messi is clowning on MLS. Does that say more about him or the league?
Messi’s two goals in Saturday’s 5-0 rout were the umpteenth examples of his greatness, and the latest evidence that MLS is struggling to contain it.
Who controls American soccer? MLS-U.S. Open Cup saga reveals shifting power dynamics
The mid-December rebellion that rattled American soccer was something of an existential moment for the federation.