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League: MLSSport: SoccerCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Lionel Messi misses MLS All-Star Game due to World Cup commitments

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 5:00 AM

Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Lionel Messi misses MLS All-Star Game due to World Cup commitments
Summary

Lionel Messi will not participate in the MLS All-Star Game scheduled for Wednesday, marking his third consecutive absence. This year, Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul are excused from the event due to their recent World Cup appearances, as agreed upon between MLS and the MLS Players Association. The league has adjusted its policies related to player rest after previous controversies, including last year's suspensions for withdrawals. Messi and De Paul reached the final of the World Cup, creating a scheduling conflict with the All-Star Game just 10 days later. Nine other World Cup participants remain on the roster and are required to play.

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Status Watch
  • •Messi will miss the All-Star Game for the third year in a row.
  • •MLS and the MLS Players Association approved rest exemptions for World Cup players.
  • •Last year's All-Star Game saw Messi suspended for last-minute withdrawals.
  • •The All-Star Game is 10 days after the World Cup final in which Messi played.
  • •Nine World Cup participants not in the final must still participate in the All-Star Game.
Latest Updates
  • 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — How MLS Changed Its All-Star Rules After Messi Suspension Drama
What they're saying
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Lionel Messi will miss his third consecutive MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, but unlike last year, he won't face suspension. The league announced Saturday that Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul are e...

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