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

MLS exempts Lionel Messi from punishment for missing All-Star game

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 7:44 AM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

MLS exempts Lionel Messi from punishment for missing All-Star game
Summary

MLS has decided to exempt Lionel Messi from a punishment for missing the 2026 MLS All-Star game in Charlotte, North Carolina. This decision comes after Messi's participation in the FIFA World Cup, which has kept him away from Inter Miami as he recovers. Last year, Messi received a one-match suspension for similar circumstances, which had left him 'very upset.' The league has confirmed that players returning from international duty will have discussions with clubs regarding rest and return timelines. Messi's exemption is consistent with an agreement made with the MLS Players Association.

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Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •Messi is missing the 2026 MLS All-Star week due to recovery.
  • •MLS confirmed no suspension for Messi unlike last year's ruling.
  • •Messi was upset with his 2025 punishment deemed 'draconian.'
  • •The MLS Players Association agreed on player rest post-World Cup.
  • •Rodrigo de Paul is also exempt from the All-Star game.
Latest Updates
  • 7:44 AMYahoo Sports — MLS make Lionel Messi exception over punishment rule that left him ‘very upset’ in 2025
What they're saying
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The MLS have decided to exempt Lionel Messi from the huge punishment that they imposed on him in 2025. With the FIFA World Cup ending just a little over a week ago, many have wondered when Lionel Messi would return to Inter Miami.

Related Teams & Leagues
Inter MiamiMLSSoccer

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