Lionel Messi set to skip MLS All-Star Game after World Cup final heartbreak
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward is expected to miss the milestone 30th annual MLS All-Star Game on July 29 following Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, with the tight 10-day turnaround making rest a priority.
Why Lionel Messi could miss the MLS All-Star Game
Lionel Messi is set to miss the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game after leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup final, where they fell 1-0 to Spain in extra time on Sunday.
While most of his Argentina teammates now enter the European offseason, the 39-year-old Messi remains in the middle of Inter Miami's demanding campaign. The club faces 34 regular season matches plus Concacaf Champions Cup commitments, making rest management crucial for the veteran forward.
Messi is not expected to make an immediate return to club action following his World Cup commitments. His extended break will rule him out of the 30th annual MLS All-Star Game on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, a milestone event marking the fifth edition of the inter-league format pitting MLS against Liga MX.
The scheduling presents an exceptionally tight turnaround, with the All-Star Game taking place just 10 days after the World Cup final. Both Messi and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul were selected for the MLS All-Star squad, but according to ESPN, Messi plans to miss the showcase for the second consecutive year.
Rest guidelines drive decision
Messi is expected to follow rest standards established through consensus between FIFA and player unions in July 2025, which recommend a 21-day rest period at the end of each season. While technically mid-season for Inter Miami, Messi featured in every match during Argentina's World Cup run, effectively completing an intensive tournament campaign.
The 21-day guideline represents a compromise in ongoing player welfare debates. FIFPRO has historically advocated for a mandatory four-week off-season break, though the agreement with FIFA settled on the shorter 21-day period alongside requirements for at least 72 hours between matches.
The exact duration of Messi's absence remains unclear. He will definitely miss Inter Miami's upcoming fixtures against Chicago Fire FC and CF Montreal, with his break expected to extend through next Wednesday's All-Star festivities, which also include a Skills Challenge event on July 28.
Previous suspension unlikely to repeat
Messi was suspended one game last season after missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game without league approval. He and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba both received the penalty as MLS enforced its longstanding participation policy, despite commissioner Don Garber acknowledging the difficulty of the decision.
However, a similar punishment appears unlikely this time. Following the 2025 incident, Garber stated the league would re-evaluate its All-Star Game participation policy and work with players to determine how the rule should evolve, suggesting greater flexibility for circumstances like World Cup participation.
Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos told reporters on Tuesday that there is currently no fixed timeline for Messi's return to action.
The All-Star Game venue has established itself as a major soccer destination, with Bank of America Stadium hosting nearly three million fans across MLS, Leagues Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Copa América and international friendlies since Charlotte FC's inception.
