Barcelona Reportedly Invited to Play in 2017 MLS All-Star Game
Barcelona has reportedly been invited to play against the MLS’ All-Stars in the 2017 Major League Soccer All-Star Game next season.
According to World Talk Soccer, “FC Barcelona has been invited to play in the 2017 MLS All-Star Game.” The Major League Soccer All-Star Game is a yearly festivity that features the best players in the league going up against one of the best teams in Europe. It seems as though Barcelona could be the opponents for next seasons game.
Although a final decision has not been made, this is the first rumored opponent for MLS’ All-Stars next year. If Barcelona do accept the invitation, it would be their first trip stateside to take on Major League Soccer’s best players. This would be one of the most highly touted European clubs to ever take part in the event.
While the MLS All-Star teams have faced some great clubs, FC Barcelona is on another level in terms of world prestige and influence. Since returning to the MLS All-Star team vs Guest format in 2005, a number of European clubs have made the trip stateside for the match. The All-Star have faced off against Fulham, Chelsea, Celtic, West Ham United, Everton, Manchester United, Roma, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal last season.
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The report from World Soccer Talk also said that Barcelona must first decide “whether they plan on playing exhibition games in Asia or North America next summer” and that will be the deciding factor in playing in the MLS All-Star Game. Hopefully the Spanish club decides on coming to the United States to take part.
If Major League Soccer were able to secure a friendly/competitive match against the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, and countless other world-class players on Barcelona’s roster, it would bring out a huge crowd and a number of supporters. The match would also have a broad audience for the televised event. It would bring a large amount of attention to the league as it continues to grow.
With a number of great players currently on MLS’ rosters (even former Barcelona player, David Villa), showcasing the league’s best talents against the likes of Barca’s best could be an interesting prospect. Even though these are friendlies and exhibitions, the MLS All-Star’s have beaten some of the best clubs from around Europe in previous seasons. A match between the two sides would have plenty of star power and it could bring a large number of new fans to Major League Soccer.
It will be interesting to see what happens going forward but hopefully Barcelona accepts the offer and makes the match official for next year. The 2017 MLS All-Star Game will take place next summer at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. This would surely be one of the biggest soccer events in America next year.