Summary
Lionel Messi has learned whether he will face a suspension following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside his Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
The 39-year-old was unable to lead Argentina to consecutive World Cup titles after Spain secured a 1-0 victory in the final. The match ended in controversy, with several Argentina players and staff becoming involved in physical and verbal confrontations with their opponents.
Although FIFA launched an investigation into the incidents that unfolded after the final whistle, Messi stayed away from the altercations. As a result, attention shifted to whether he would face disciplinary action upon returning to Inter Miami following his post-World Cup break.
Lionel Messi Will Miss the MLS All-Star Game
Mandatory Rest Period Prevents His Participation
Under an agreement between FIFA and FIFPRO, players are guaranteed at least 21 days of rest after the conclusion of any season, including following the World Cup.
Because of that policy, both Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will remain unavailable for Inter Miami until August.
As a result, neither player will participate in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, scheduled for July 29 at Bank of America Stadium, where the league’s top players will face the LIGA MX All-Stars.
This marks the third consecutive MLS All-Star Game that Messi has missed.
- In 2024, he was unavailable due to an injury sustained during the Copa America final.
- In 2025, Messi and Jordi Alba withdrew on the day of the match, prompting MLS to issue one-match suspensions to both players.
This year, however, the situation is different.
No Suspension for Messi or Rodrigo De Paul
FIFA and FIFPRO Welfare Rules Apply
Unlike the previous year, Messi and De Paul will not receive any disciplinary action for missing the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.
The exemption is based on player welfare protections established through the agreement between FIFPRO and Major League Soccer.
MLS explained the decision in an official statement:
“Prior to the start of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that upon a player’s exit from the World Cup competition, clubs would have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest and return to training and competition timeline.
“Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.”
The league confirmed that both players are excused from the event and will not face any suspension.
MLS Announces Replacement Players
Following the withdrawals, MLS confirmed four replacement selections for the All-Star roster.
The changes include:
- Philip Zinckernagel replaces Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire.
- Guilherme of Houston Dynamo joins the squad.
- Yannick Bright of Inter Miami has been selected.
- Andres Cubas of Vancouver Whitecaps also receives a call-up.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Berhalter, who represented the USMNT during the 2026 World Cup, is not expected to take part as he prepares to complete a move to Middlesbrough.
Messi Focuses on Returning for Inter Miami
With FIFA’s investigation centered on the post-match incidents rather than Messi himself, and with the mandatory rest period protecting World Cup participants, the Argentine captain will return to Inter Miami without serving any suspension.
Instead, his immediate priority will be completing his recovery period before rejoining the club as they resume their MLS campaign in August.