Lionel Messi Escapes Another Suspension for Missing MLS All-Star Game

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi will miss the MLS All-Star Game for the second consecutive season, but this time he will avoid a suspension.

The news comes a year after the Argentina captain was handed a one-match ban by Major League Soccer (MLS) for not participating in the match, a move that left Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas and Messi deeply disappointed.

However, with the presence of Messi and his teammate Rodrigo De Paul who played in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19, the league has softened its stance this year.

"Prior to the start of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that after a player exits the 2026 World Cup tournament, clubs will have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest period and schedule for returning to training and competition."

"In accordance with the agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be exempt from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game," said the MLS statement.

Neither Messi nor De Paul have appeared in Inter Miami's league wins over Chicago Fire or CF Montreal since returning from the 2026 World Cup.

FIFPro, which is a global body representing professional footballers, reached an agreement with FIFA last year for a mandatory 21-day break at the end of each season.

In addition to Messi and De Paul, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and top scorer Hugo Cuypers were also released.

The four players were replaced by Yannick Bright from Inter Miami, Andres Cubas from Vancouver Whitecaps, Guilherme from Houston Dynamo, and Philip Zinckernagel from Chicago Fire.

Players such as Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and Tim Ream are scheduled to play in the match against the Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte, North Carolina.