Lionel Messi has been excused from next week’s MLS All-Stars game after featuring in the FIFA World Cup final.
The Inter Miami captain has been granted time off to rest after appearing in the 2026 final, in which Argentina were defeated 1-0 after extra time by Spain, but has missed out on the game which was held in New Jersey. The Argentinian playmaker and team-mate Rodrigo De Paul were allowed to miss the game.
The MLS announced the decision had been agreed by the MLS Players Association prior to the start of the MLS season in terms of what period players are expected to be recovered from major competition like the World Cup.
Messi was expected to be available after being named in the first group of players for Wednesday’s MLS All-Stars game with Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event sees Major League Soccer’s biggest stars face each other.
Last season, Messi and team-mate Jordi Alba were suspended for one game after withdrawing from the All-Stars fixture at the last minute, and although players are usually required to take part in the game unless they are injured, this year’s exemption shows how Major League Soccer’s stance on the decision has been affected.
