Why isn’t Messi playing in the 2026 MLS All-Star game?

After leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi is set for some well-deserved time off, which means he will not play in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on July 29.

FIFA and FIFPRO, the global players’ union, have recommended a minimum 21-day offseason break for players after the end of their campaign, along with at least 72 hours between competitive games, as part of measures designed to protect players’ physical and mental well-being.

This year’s MLS All-Star Game comes just 10 days after the World Cup final, falling well within that recommended recovery period.

Both Messi and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul were voted onto the MLS All-Star roster to face the Liga MX All-Stars at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte but will now not be involved. No replacements are expected to be called.

When will Messi play next for Inter Miami?

Messi, along with De Paul, will definitely sit out the Herons’ next two MLS games, at home against the Chicago Fire on July 22 and away to CF Montréal on July 25, according to ESPN.

If the Argentine duo were to use the full 21-day recovery period, they would also miss Inter Miami’s home game against the Columbus Crew on Aug. 1 and the club’s first two Leagues Cup games, against Atlético San Luis on Aug. 5 and Monterrey on Aug. 8, before returning for the match against León on Aug. 12. However, it is not yet clear whether they will take the full three weeks off.

Messi stars again for Argentina at the World Cup

Messi started seven of Argentina’s eight games at the 2026 World Cup and played 120 minutes on three occasions, including the final against Spain.

The former Barcelona superstar finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, earning both the Silver Boot as the World Cup’s second-leading scorer behind Kylian Mbappé and the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player behind Spain midfielder Rodri.

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