Messi Excused from 2026 MLS All-Star Game After World Cup, No Suspension This Time
Lionel Messi will not participate in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, but unlike last year, his absence is excused due to his participation in the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina on July 19. MLS announced that Messi, along with Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, Golden Boot leader Hugo Cuypers, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, have been replaced on the roster. The league and the MLS Players Association agreed before the season that players exiting the World Cup would have individualized rest and return plans. Messi and De Paul have already missed Inter Miami's midweek match and will also miss the upcoming game against CF Montréal. The All-Star Game, featuring MLS against a Liga MX selection, will be held on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. In 2025, Messi was suspended for one game for skipping the All-Star Game without an injury excuse, a decision criticized by Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas as 'draconian.'
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