Lionel Messi excused from 2026 MLS All-Star Game after World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 6:22 PM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Major League Soccer announced on Saturday that Lionel Messi will not participate in the upcoming All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 26. The decision follows Messi's recent appearance in the World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Spain. MLS stated that, per agreements with the MLS Players Association, players exiting the World Cup will discuss their return timelines with their clubs. Rodrigo De Paul also receives a pass from participation. In previous years, skipping the All-Star Game led to sanctions for Messi and others.
- •Messi will not play in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte.
- •He recently participated in the World Cup final with Argentina.
- •MLS created an agreement for player rest post-World Cup.
- •Rodrigo De Paul is also excused from the All-Star Game.
- •Last year, Messi faced a suspension for missing the event.
- 7:45 PMYahoo Sports — Will Lionel Messi play MLS All-Star Game after starring for Argentina at World Cup?
- 6:22 PMYahoo Sports — Messi can skip All-Star Game after grueling World Cup, says MLS
"Lionel Messi will not be required to play in next week's Major League Soccer All-Star Game after representing Argentina in the recent World Cup final, the US domestic league said Saturday."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," said the sta
"Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will be an excused absence from this year's MLS All-Star Game, the league confirmed on Saturday, June 25.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 7:45 PMWill Lionel Messi play MLS All-Star Game after starring for Argentina at World Cup?
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will be an excused absence from this year's MLS All-Star Game, the league confirmed on Saturday, June 25.
- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 6:22 PMMessi can skip All-Star Game after grueling World Cup, says MLS
Lionel Messi will not be required to play in next week's Major League Soccer All-Star Game after representing Argentina in the recent World Cup final, the US domestic league said Saturday."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," said the sta
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