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Lionel Messi will not be appearing at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday evening, having withdrawn from his third straight MLS All-Star Game since entering the league in 2023.
The news about the football icon was announced on Saturday, a significant improvement over the last-minute notice provided ahead of the previous year's showcase event. Argentina and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul has also withdrawn from the fixture.
MLS generally issues a suspension to players who skip the All-Star Game for non-injury reasons—Messi himself received a one-game ban for missing last year's edition. However, both he and De Paul have been granted an exemption this time around due to a pre-existing arrangement with the league.
Why Are Messi, De Paul Excused From 2026 MLS All-Star Game?
With Argentina having competed just 10 days ago in the World Cup final—falling to Spain 1–0 at MetLife Stadium—MLS and the MLS Players Association reached an agreement permitting the pair to rest and recuperate at home without facing any penalties. Messi and De Paul have also sat out both of Inter Miami's matches since the league resumed, including the debut of new signing and former Manchester United star Casemiro over the weekend.
"Prior to the start of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that upon a player's exit from the World Cup competition, clubs would have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest and return to training and competition timeline. Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game," the league stated on Saturday.
Regulations set by the global players' union FIFAPro also entitle players to 21 days of rest between the conclusion of their World Cup campaign and their return to club football.
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The absence of Messi and De Paul will be a significant setback for the MLS All-Stars, who are scheduled to face Liga MX's All-Stars in Charlotte. Despite celebrating his 39th birthday, Messi delivered a career-defining performance at this summer's World Cup, scoring eight goals and contributing four assists to claim the Silver Boot. De Paul, 32, also impressed throughout the tournament, acting as the midfield engine driving much of Argentina's attacking play.
The pair may not return to MLS action until mid-August if they opt to take the full 21-day rest period.