Lionel Messi ‘s World Cup ended in tears, uncertainty and heartbreak, but just days later, Major League Soccer handed the Argentine legend something he did not receive a year ago.
For the second consecutive season, the Inter Miami superstar will miss the MLS All-Star Game, yet unlike last year, there will be no suspension.
This is the understanding Messi was granted.
The decision comes in the wake of Argentina’s exhausting run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi and his teammates fell agonisingly short in a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.
While the disappointment still lingers, MLS has chosen recovery over punishment,
allowing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner time to heal both physically and emotionally before returning to club football.
MLS Changes Its Stance after Last Year’s Controversy
Messi’s absence from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game is now a major discussion and controversy in the league.
The Argentine icon received a one-match suspension for failing to participate in the exhibition fixture.
This punishment prompted fierce criticism from Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, who labelled the decision “draconian” and revealed that Messi had been “extremely upset.”
This time, however, MLS has adopted a different approach.
Acknowledging the physical demands placed on players returning from the World Cup, the league confirmed that both Messi and his new Inter Miami teammate, Rodrigo De Paul have officially been excused from this year’s All-Star festivities.
In a statement released on Saturday, MLS explained the policy change.
“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.”
The league added:
“Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.”
The announcement effectively confirms that neither player will face disciplinary action despite missing the showcase event.
World Cup Final Leaves Messi Needing Recovery
Messi has not featured for Inter Miami since the World Cup.
Following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the final on July 19, both he and Rodrigo De Paul have remained unavailable for Inter Miami’s MLS victories over the Chicago Fire and CF Montreal.
The decision aligns with recommendations made by FIFPRO, world football’s global players’ union, which reached an agreement with FIFA last year advocating mandatory 21-day rest periods at the end of every season to protect players from burnout following increasingly demanding schedules.
More Stars Withdrawn From All-Star Showdown
Messi and De Paul are not the only notable absentees.
Chicago Fire striker Hugo Cuypers, the current MLS Golden Boot leader, has also been excused after completing his transfer to Mexican giants Monterrey.
Young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has likewise withdrawn from the squad.
The quartet have been replaced by:
- Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright
- Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andrés Cubas
- Houston Dynamo defender Guilherme
- Chicago Fire forward Philip Zinckernagel
Despite Messi’s absence, the MLS All-Star team will still feature several global stars, including
- Son Heung-min,
- Thomas Müller, and
- veteran American defender Tim Ream,
when they face the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday night in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Heartbreaking Message from Messi after World Cup Agony
While the football world debated his future and MLS confirmed his absence, Messi finally broke his silence with an emotional message to Argentine supporters.
Still hurting from the devastating extra-time defeat to Spain, the 39-year-old admitted the pain remains overwhelming.
“The pain is immense and it will take time for this wound to heal.”
Despite the heartbreak, Messi chose to focus on the journey Argentina shared throughout the tournament, amid the heartbreak.
“But I also cherish all the good… The matches we turned around, giving our all, which will forever remain in our memories, the support of an entire country that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world.”
The Inter Miami captain then thanked every Argentine who stood behind the team during their remarkable campaign.
“Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and every message.”
“Once again, we managed to unite as a country and be together, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine.”
Showing the class that has defined his career, Messi also acknowledged the new world champions.
“I also want to congratulate Spain on the championship.”
Returned Home With No trophy but Got a Nation’s Love
Days after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, Messi quietly returned home to Rosario for a short period of rest before resuming club duties.
His private jet landed near his hometown at 6:27 a.m., arriving from Fort Lauderdale.
Hundreds of supporters had gathered outside the airport from as early as 3:30 a.m., waving Argentine flags and carrying banners in tribute to the nation’s greatest football icon.
Although Messi avoided a public appearance and immediately departed in a waiting SUV with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children, the affection from supporters remained unmistakable.
One banner captured the feelings of an entire nation.
“Messi: You’re a legend. Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts. A whole country loves you!”
Messi also reunited with his 68-year-old father, Jorge, who has been undergoing medical treatment during the World Cup.
World Cup 2026 Added More History to a Legendary Career
Although Argentina were denied consecutive World Cup titles by Spain, Messi once again rewrote football history.
The Inter Miami superstar became
the first player ever to start three FIFA World Cup finals, having also featured in the 2014 and 2022 editions.
He concluded the tournament
with eight goals and four assists, finishing second in the Golden Boot race behind France captain, Kylian Mbappé, who scored 10 goals.
Messi also
increased his international tally to 125 goals, remaining second only to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 146,
His World Cup scoring record of 21 goals was surpassed only after Mbappé reached 22 during France’s third-place playoff victory.
With the MLS All-Star Game now officially off his schedule, Messi’s focus shifts toward completing his recovery before rejoining Inter Miami.
The Argentine captain is expected to return to club action in late July or early August, refreshed after one of the most emotionally demanding tournaments of his extraordinary career.
The tears that flowed after Spain denied Argentina another world title may not disappear anytime soon.
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