Messi Likely to Skip MLS All-Star Game After World Cup, Citing Rest Period

The highly anticipated prospect of seeing Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min play on the same team in the MLS All-Star Game appears to be fading. ESPN reported on July 21 that Messi is unlikely to participate in the upcoming All-Star festivities after concluding his 2026 World Cup duties with Argentina.

Inter Miami has reportedly informed the MLS office of Messi and Rodrigo De Paul's intention to skip the All-Star Game. This decision stems from a FIFA and FIFPRO agreement mandating a minimum 21-day rest period for players following the end of the season. The World Cup final concluded recently, and the All-Star Game falls within this designated rest period.

Both Messi and De Paul are also set to miss immediate MLS fixtures for Inter Miami. While the exact duration of their break is yet to be confirmed, they will be absent for the upcoming matches against Chicago Fire FC and CF Montreal. The MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for July 30 in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring a match between the MLS All-Stars and a team from Mexico's Liga MX.

The potential absence of Messi, a major draw for the event, significantly alters the landscape of the All-Star Game, which had generated considerable excitement with the possibility of him and Son Heung-min sharing the field. The focus now shifts to how MLS and Inter Miami will manage player rest while fulfilling league commitments.

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Inter Miami has informed the MLS office of the intention of Messi and Rodrigo De Paul to skip the All-Star Game.