Messi to miss 2026 MLS All-Star Game for third straight year
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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Official statement
Context piece
- Lionel Messi will miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game for the third consecutive year, as announced by the league.
- The decision comes after Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina lost the final, and allows him rest before returning to club duties.
- Messi will not face suspension for his absence, unlike in 2025 when he was penalized for missing the game without justification.
Lionel Messi will be absent from the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking his third consecutive year missing the exhibition match, the North American soccer league announced Saturday.
The 39-year-old Argentine star, who was selected by fan vote, is currently resting after participating in the 2026 World Cup. Argentina lost the final on Sunday to Spain. Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that following a player's World Cup exit, clubs would discuss appropriate rest and return-to-training schedules.
Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that after a player's World Cup exit, clubs would hold individual discussions with each player to determine appropriate rest and schedule for returning to training and competitions.
"In line with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game," the league stated. This agreement ensures Messi will not be suspended for his absence, a contrast to 2025 when he received a one-game ban for missing the All-Star Game without a valid reason.
Other notable players like Tim Ream, Evander, and Son Heung-min have confirmed their participation in the match. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will feature a team of MLS stars against a squad from Mexico's Liga MX. The 30th edition of the game is scheduled for Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In line with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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