According to ESPN, Lionel Messi, who suffered a defeat in the World Cup final last weekend, will miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.
Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final, failing to defend their title.
While most of his national team teammates have already entered their post-season break in Europe, 39-year-old Messi will continue to play for Inter Miami this season, but the Argentine captain will not be returning anytime soon.
ESPN reports that Lionel Messi is not expected to participate in the MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte on July 29. The event will bring together MLS and Mexican league stars.
Messi and his teammates De Paul, who are with the Argentine national team and Inter Miami, were originally selected for the MLS All-Star roster, but Messi will miss the event for the second consecutive year.
This decision aligns with the recommendations of the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro), which requires players to have at least 21 days of rest after the season ends.
Although Messi is nominally still in the MLS season, he played for Argentina in the World Cup up to the final.
The exact duration of Messi's absence has not yet been determined, but it has been confirmed that he will miss Inter Miami's next two matches against Chicago Fire and Montreal, and his absence may extend to next Wednesday's All-Star Game.
Messi was suspended last season for missing the All-Star Game without the league's consent, but given the extremely short interval between the World Cup final and the exhibition match, and the special circumstances, it is unlikely that he will face a similar punishment this time.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Oyos told reporters on Tuesday that there is no set date yet for Messi's return to training and matches.
