Messi need not play in MLS All-Star game

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

Lionel Messi is not required to play in the MLS All-Star Game on July 29 due to his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, according to a league announcement. MLS has adjusted its policy to exempt World Cup finalists from the All-Star Game to manage player workload and scheduling conflicts.

Lionel Messi will not be obligated to participate in the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game scheduled for July 29, the league announced on July 25. This decision follows the Argentine forward’s recent appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, had faced potential sanctions in 2025 for opting out of the annual MLS All-Star event. The match traditionally features a selection of top MLS players competing against counterparts from Mexico’s Liga MX. However, ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game, MLS officials confirmed that exemptions had been arranged for players who had advanced to the later stages of the World Cup.

This policy adjustment acknowledges the physical and scheduling demands placed on players participating in the global tournament, allowing those athletes a reprieve from the mid-season showcase. The MLS All-Star Game remains a prominent event in the league’s calendar, intended to highlight top talent and foster cross-border soccer rivalry, but the league has shown flexibility in accommodating players’ international commitments.

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