Messi Excused from MLS All-Stars After World Cup Final

Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami, has been excused from participating in the MLS All-Stars game scheduled for next week after playing in the FIFA World Cup final on July 14, 2026. In that match, Argentina was defeated 1-0 by Spain after extra time.

Messi, along with his teammate Rodrigo De Paul, has been granted time off to rest. The decision to excuse Messi from the game, which took place in New Jersey, was made in agreement with the MLS Players Association prior to the start of the MLS season, outlining recovery periods for players after major competitions like the World Cup.

Initially, Messi was expected to participate, having been named in the first group of players for the All-Stars game against Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte, North Carolina. This year's exemption contrasts with last season when Messi and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended for one game after withdrawing from the All-Stars fixture at the last minute.