TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lionel Messi has been confirmed to miss the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, which will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, next Wednesday (local time), or July 29th.
Messi was granted an exemption after the Argentina national team captain represented his country until the 2026 World Cup final.
In an official statement, MLS explained that this policy was part of an agreement reached before the start of the 2026 season.
"In accordance with this agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi are exempt from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game," read an official MLS statement on Sunday.
Before the start of the 2026 season, MLS and the MLS Players Association agreed that after a player's World Cup participation, the club would hold individual discussions with each player to determine a suitable rest period and return to training and competition.
Messi played for Argentina until the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. However, the Albiceleste lost 1-0 to Spain after conceding a goal in extra time.
Messi's Argentine teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, who also plays for Inter Miami, also received a similar exemption.
Participation in the MLS All-Star Game is mandatory for selected players, unless injured or granted special dispensation by the league.
The 2026 World Cup takes place mid-season, resulting in a seven-week MLS break. Therefore, the league is granting leniency to players who advance to the final phase of the tournament.
Even without Messi and De Paul, the match, which pits the best MLS teams against Liga MX stars, will still feature a number of big names.
Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-min, Vancouver Whitecaps forward Thomas Muller, and United States national team captain Tim Ream, who plays for Charlotte FC, are all confirmed to be participating.
This policy also eases the controversy that arose last season. At that time, Messi and Jordi Alba were suspended for one match with Inter Miami after both missed the MLS All-Star Game without injury.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber later acknowledged Messi's busy schedule. Garber also stated that the rules regarding All-Star Game participation would be reviewed.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas also revealed that Messi was deeply disappointed with the punishment he received at the time.
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