We need to talk about the Kanye West Messi lyric on his song “Off The Grid” from his new album, Donda. While it’s special to see one of the world’s largest artists nod at the planet’s most popular sport, the bar about Lionel Messi is subpar.

Before I continue, I would like to make it clear that I actually quite enjoy “Off The Grid.” My bone to pick is with this Messi lyric.

On Wednesday, Major League Soccer announced its 28-player roster for the 2021 MLS All-Star Game. On Wednesday, Aug. 25, this group will play a highly anticipated match against the Liga MX All-Stars at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. 

Some of the players have been here before (LAFC’s Carlos Vela, Orlando City’s Nani, Nashville’s Walker Zimmerman), but a number of players have been selected for the first time, including rising stars like San Jose’s Cade Cowell, Dallas’ Ricardo Pepi and New England’s Tajon Buchanan.

Nada en la vida de Kanye West es ordinario y normal. Prueba de ello ha sido esta semana, en la que el artista se ha convertido en un habitante del Estadio Mercedes-Benz, hogar del Atlanta United de la MLS.

El jueves pasado, Kanye hizo un evento público en el recinto. Muchos creyeron que sería un concierto para lanzar su nuevo disco, “Donda”, sin embargo, fue en realidad una sesión para escuchar parte del álbum. Kanye llegó dos horas tarde y caminó sobre el campo, cubierto por un superficie blanca, durante 45 minutos sin decir una palabra.

Raúl Ruidíaz scored one of the goals of his life against Austin FC on Thursday with an absolute missile from near midfield. Ruidíaz saw Austin’s goalkeeper off his line and made him pay for it with a sumptuous strike. This is one of the best MLS goals of the season.

RUIDIAZ FROM WAAAAAAY DOWNTOWN #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/BbZykUpvet

The year that was 2020 disrupted a lot of the financial models for Major League Soccer and resulted in a new Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified back in February, but the 26th season of MLS is now underway while looking largely similar to previous editions, particularly with regards to the MLS Designated Players list 2021.

With five MLS clubs and three Liga MX sides making up the quarterfinals of the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, the stage is perfectly set to deliver the matchups we all want to see.