Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are confirmed to be absent from the 2026 MLS All-Star, here's why
JAKARTA - Lionel Messi is confirmed to be absent from the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, which will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States on Wednesday (local time) or July 29.
Messi was given an exemption after the Argentina national team captain strengthened his country until the 2026 World Cup final.
In an official statement, MLS explained that the policy was part of an agreement that had been made before the 2026 season began.
"In line with the agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi are exempt from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game," said an official MLS statement on Sunday.
Before the 2026 season begins, MLS and the MLS Players Association have agreed that once a player is done with the World Cup competition, clubs will have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest period and schedule for returning to training and competition.
Like Messi, Rodrigo De Paul is also the focus of the Argentina squad at the 2026 World Cup. (Instagram @rodridepaul)
Messi appeared to defend Argentina until the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. However, the Albiceleste had to admit Spain's 0-1 advantage after conceding in extra time.
Messi's teammate in Argentina who also defends Inter Miami, Rodrigo De Paul, also received the same exemption.
Participation in the MLS All-Star Game is actually mandatory for the selected players, unless they are injured or receive special dispensation from the league.
The 2026 World Cup takes place in the middle of the competition season so that MLS was on vacation for seven weeks. For that, the league gave flexibility to players who advanced to the final phase of the tournament.
Even without Messi and De Paul, the match that brings together the best MLS team with the stars of the Liga MX will still be decorated with a number of big names.
Los Angeles FC striker Son Heung-min, Vancouver Whitecaps striker Thomas Muller, and United States national team captain Tim Ream, who plays for Charlotte FC, are confirmed to take part in the match.
The policy also eased the controversy that had emerged last season. At that time, Messi and Jordi Alba were given a ban from playing one match with Inter Miami after the two were absent from the MLS All-Star Game without an injury.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber later acknowledged Messi's busy schedule. Garber also stated that the rules regarding participation in the All-Star Game would be evaluated.
One of the owners of Inter Miami, Jorge Mas, also revealed that Messi was very disappointed with the punishment he received at that time.