Charlotte: Messi to miss MLS All-Star Game, avoids suspension
Messi excused from All-Star Game
Lionel Messi will not participate in the MLS All-Star Game for the third consecutive season, but he will not face a suspension this time. The Inter Miami captain, alongside teammate Rodrigo De Paul, has been removed from the squad for Wednesday’s match against the Liga MX All-Stars at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Both players are currently recovering after their involvement with Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, where their team lost 1-0 to Spain on July 19.
Unlike a previous instance in 2025, their absence has been officially approved. Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association had agreed before the 2026 season that clubs would discuss appropriate rest and return timelines with players after their participation in the World Cup. This agreement ensures that Messi and De Paul are excused from the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, meaning they will not incur any penalties such as suspensions or fines.
Previous absences and new agreement
MLS rules typically state that a selected player who misses the All-Star Game without prior approval becomes ineligible for their club’s next match. This rule was applied in July 2025 when Messi and Jordi Alba received one-match bans after Inter Miami withdrew them due to workload concerns without securing an exemption. Messi also missed the 2024 event due to an ankle injury sustained in the Copa América final.
The new agreement for 2026 specifically addresses the situation for players returning from World Cup duties. This pre-approved recovery period prevents any disciplinary action against Messi and De Paul, distinguishing their current absence from previous situations where unapproved withdrawals led to suspensions.
Squad changes and replacements
Following the withdrawals of Messi, De Paul, Hugo Cuypers, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, four replacements have been named for the MLS All-Star Game squad. Yannick Bright of Inter Miami, Andrés Cubas of Vancouver Whitecaps, Guilherme of Houston Dynamo, and Philip Zinckernagel of Chicago Fire have been added to the roster.
Andrés Cubas, a midfielder for Vancouver Whitecaps, was noted for his defensive contributions during Paraguay’s run to the World Cup round of 16, amassing 52 defensive contributions. Yannick Bright, another midfielder, has recorded two assists in 12 games this season for Inter Miami. Philip Zinckernagel has contributed five goals and seven assists in 15 matches for Chicago Fire, while Guilherme is a contender for the 2026 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.
The full roster for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game includes goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), and Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders include Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC).
Midfielders selected are Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), and Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards include Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Son Heung-min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), and Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).
Messi, who turned 39 during the World Cup, scored eight goals and provided four assists for Argentina in the tournament.
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Source: marca.com
