Lionel Messi and Argentina ended the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
Now, Messi reportedly won’t participate in the MLS All-Star Game, and he will take a rest before returning to play for Inter Miami, according to a report from ESPN.
Messi’s teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, also played for Argentina, and he will take a rest.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will miss the MLS All-Star Game as part of a 21-day rest period following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, per ESPN.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 21, 2026
Messi voluntarily skipped last year's All-Star Game after being voted in and was suspended for one match by the league. pic.twitter.com/o4rC1DozOi
FIFPRO, the global representative organization for professional footballers, instituted a 21-day rest period following the World Cup, which is what Messi will be doing.
Last year, Messi voluntarily sat out the MLS All-Star Game, and he was suspended one game by the league.
This time, it doesn’t seem like Messi will be suspended due to the rest period.
Messi has another incredible World Cup. This included two assists in a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over England to punch a ticket to the title game.
However, the World Cup final loss was a tough one for Lionel Messi as he was seen crying after the match, and his World Cup future is up in the air with the next event scheduled for 2030.
The MLS All-Star Game this year will be on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
