Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, MLS and Inter Miami
Saturday
Lionel Messi will not attend the 2026 MLS All-Star Game but will avoid suspension this time. MLS replaced Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Hugo Cuypers and Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the squad for Wednesday’s Liga MX match.
MLS and the players’ association agreed World Cup return timelines before the season, allowing Messi and De Paul to rest after Argentina reached the final. Last year, Messi missed the event and was suspended for one match.