Lionel Messi will miss MLS All-Star game after World Cup final
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 10:04 AM
Last updated Jul 29, 2026
Lionel Messi will not participate in the 2026 MLS All-Star game scheduled for July 29 in Charlotte against Liga MX XI. Following Argentina's run to the World Cup final, FIFA mandates that players receive at least 21 days of rest after such tournaments. Messi's absence from the All-Star event is excused, differing from his previous unexcused absence in 2025. He is allowed to rest until at least August 9, 2026, although he may return earlier if mutually agreed upon with Inter Miami.
- •Lionel Messi is the biggest draw in Major League Soccer.
- •29 players were selected for the 2026 MLS All-Star game.
- •Messi is under a 21-day rest mandate after the World Cup.
- •He will return to Inter Miami’s training after August 9, 2026.
- •Messi was previously suspended for an unexcused absence in 2025.
- 10:04 AMYahoo Sports — Why isn't Lionel Messi playing in MLS All-Star Game today?
- 9:08 AMYahoo Sports — Is Messi playing today? What to know about MLS All-Star Game 2026
- 7:30 AMYahoo Sports — Is Lionel Messi playing MLS All-Star game? Inter Miami forward's status for 2026 Charlotte match vs. Liga MX XI
"Lionel Messi is unquestionably the biggest draw of any player in Major League Soccer. His presence at the MLS All-Star game every year is a hot-button topic as fans hope to catch a glimpse of the Argentine at the showcase event.
"Inter Miami and World Cup star Lionel Messi got a one-game suspension when he didn't show up for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
"The biggest star of them all won't be present at the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 29.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 10:04 AMWhy isn't Lionel Messi playing in MLS All-Star Game today?
The biggest star of them all won't be present at the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 29.
- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 9:08 AMIs Messi playing today? What to know about MLS All-Star Game 2026
Inter Miami and World Cup star Lionel Messi got a one-game suspension when he didn't show up for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 7:30 AMIs Lionel Messi playing MLS All-Star game? Inter Miami forward's status for 2026 Charlotte match vs. Liga MX XI
Lionel Messi is unquestionably the biggest draw of any player in Major League Soccer. His presence at the MLS All-Star game every year is a hot-button topic as fans hope to catch a glimpse of the Argentine at the showcase event.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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