The report says Argentina face England in the semi-final on 15 July, with the World Cup final scheduled for 19 July. The All-Star Game is due on 29 July.
That is a narrow window for recovery, travel and preparation. Smith, who is expected to coach the MLS side, did not assume Messi or Rodrigo De Paul would be available.
“We'll wait and see what happens with that,” Smith said.
It was a measured response. Until Argentina’s tournament ends, there is no firm answer to the availability question.
The issue becomes more complicated because Messi’s recent All-Star absences have already placed MLS’s automatic suspension policy under scrutiny. The report says he was selected for the previous two events but did not play, with the second absence reportedly leading to a one-match suspension.
A World Cup-related absence would be different from skipping an exhibition because of rest, injury or club scheduling. Enforcing the rule strictly could create an awkward outcome: punishing a player for reaching the decisive stage of football’s biggest tournament.
MLS must also protect the credibility of its All-Star event. The policy is intended to ensure selected players do not simply opt out, but international duty is a compelling exception.
The league may have to decide whether its standard process can account for an exceptional case involving one of its biggest stars. Any flexibility would likely need to be applied consistently, rather than created solely for Messi.
Argentina’s semi-final is the first decisive moment. If Lionel Scaloni’s team advances, the spotlight will quickly turn from the World Cup to MLS’s response in Charlotte.