MLS All-Star Game Missing Messi, Aims to Capitalize on Post-World Cup Surge

Published Jul 28, 10:00 AM UTC

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The 2026 MLS All-Star Game, featuring MLS vs. Liga MX, takes place amid World Cup fatigue but aims to leverage the post-World Cup surge in soccer interest. Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are absent, resting after Argentina's World Cup final defeat, with no suspension this time due to a pre-season agreement. Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller headline the MLS roster, alongside young talents like Zavier Gozo and Julian Hall. The event also includes a crucial Board of Governors meeting discussing the league's future. Notable absences include Golden Boot leader Hugo Cuypers, who transferred to Monterrey, and Sebastian Berhalter, who is moving to Middlesbrough.

Source

Soccer - The AthleticWestern

Original headline: MLS All-Star Game missing Messi but hoping to capitalize on post-World Cup lift

Original language: EN

Part of this Story

Messi, De Paul to miss MLS games and All-Star Game for post-World Cup rest

See the full Story: all sources and camp coverage

People and interests

Lionel Messi Inter Miami The Athletic