Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have been excused from the 2026 MLS All-Star Game as Major League Soccer and the players’ union implemented a new post-World Cup rest protocol. Unlike last year’s high-profile scratchings, the move is procedurally cleared, avoids suspension, and prioritizes player recovery ahead of Inter Miami’s congested midseason schedule.
Messi, De Paul excused from 2026 MLS All-Star Game
Lionel Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul were named to the MLS All-Star roster but will not participate in Wednesday’s exhibition against Liga MX. MLS confirmed the pair were granted rest after heavy World Cup minutes, and both players are excused from the event under new league-player union guidelines.
Messi, now 39, hasn’t played for Inter Miami since May 24 following an intense World Cup campaign that included extra-time minutes and a run to the final. De Paul likewise is recovering from national team duty.
Why this matters
This is a clear evolution in MLS policy toward elite players coming off international tournaments. Allowing managed rest reduces injury risk and preserves player value for club competitions, particularly with Inter Miami facing a tight Leagues Cup and MLS slate.
For MLS, the decision balances the spectacle of the All-Star Game with the practical need to protect top assets. For Inter Miami, it ensures Messi and De Paul can return to competitive action refreshed and available for key league and cup matches.
How this differs from the 2025 controversy
Last year, Messi and Jordi Alba were scratched hours before the All-Star kickoff in Austin and subsequently suspended per MLS rules. The 2026 approach removes that punitive element by proactively coordinating rest plans after World Cup exits, avoiding disruption and public friction between players and the league.
That earlier incident strained relations and generated negative headlines. The new protocol signals improved communications and a more modern stance on player load management.
Player workload and recovery
Messi logged heavy minutes for Argentina, finishing the tournament with eight goals and four assists in eight matches. The physical and mental toll of a World Cup final run, including extra-time play, justifies individualized recovery timelines.
Keeping marquee players healthy also preserves competitive integrity for MLS and Inter Miami, where subtle declines in performance could have outsized consequences in a tight season.
MLS All-Star Game details
Date: Wednesday, July 29
Start time: 8 p.m.
ET Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Broadcast: Exclusive stream on Apple TV
The MLS All-Stars will face a Liga MX All-Star side in a high-profile midseason showcase designed to spotlight MLS talent and the league’s growing rivalry with Liga MX.
Implications for Inter Miami
Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami for their next matches, starting with a league fixture on Aug. 1. Resting him for the All-Star exhibition preserves him for competitive fixtures that matter for standings, Leagues Cup seeding, and playoff positioning.
Short-term absence from the showcase has minimal competitive impact; long-term fitness management is the priority.
What could happen next
Clubs and MLS may increasingly negotiate individualized return-to-play plans after major international tournaments. Teams with multiple internationals will need clearer communication to balance marketing events against competitive readiness.
Houston lodge £750k bid for Marcelo Saracchi as left-back target after Celtic exit
If the policy proves effective, expect the All-Star selection process to emphasize availability and player welfare more explicitly in future announcements.
Yahoo! News
