Following Lionel Messi’s emotional exit from the World Cup, Major League Soccer has granted the Argentine star something he did not receive a year ago. Despite missing the MLS All-Star Game for the second year in a row, this time Messi is not facing suspension.
Messi’s absence comes on the heels of a grueling journey with Argentina, where the team reached the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only to be narrowly defeated by Spain in extra time. While disappointment lingers, MLS has opted for player recovery rather than punitive measures.
MLS Adapts Policy After Last Year’s Backlash
The discussion surrounding Messi’s non-participation in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game has been a prominent topic within the league. In the previous year, he received a one-game suspension for skipping an exhibition match, a decision that sparked significant criticism from Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, who described it as “harsh” and noted Messi’s unhappiness with the ruling.
This time around, however, MLS has adopted a more lenient stance. Recognizing the physical toll on players returning from the World Cup, the league announced that both Messi and his new Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul are exempt from this year’s All-Star festivities. MLS officially shared its policy revision in a statement released on Saturday, emphasizing the priority of player health.
Importance of Recovery Following World Cup Journey
Messi has not taken the field for Inter Miami since the World Cup final. Following the intense match against Spain on July 19, he and De Paul were unavailable for Miami’s subsequent wins over Chicago Fire and CF Montreal. This decision aligns with recommendations from the international players’ federation, FIFPRO, which advocates for a mandatory 21-day rest period at the end of every season to safeguard players against burnout.
Other Notable Absences at the All-Star Game
Messi and De Paul are not the only high-profile players missing from the upcoming All-Star Game. Chicago Fire striker Hugo Kuipers, the current MLS Golden Boot leader, has been placed on waivers following a move to Mexican powerhouses Monterrey. Additionally, young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has also departed the team.
The quartet has been replaced by Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Breit, Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andres Cubas, Houston Dynamo defender Guilherme, and Chicago Fire forward Filip Zinkernagel. Despite Messi’s absence, the MLS All-Star roster still features numerous international stars, including Heung-min Son and Thomas Muller, who are set to compete against Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Messi Addresses Supporters After World Cup Heartbreak
In light of ongoing discussions about his future, Messi shared a heartfelt message with Argentina’s supporters, openly acknowledging the emotional toll of the World Cup final loss. He expressed that the pain from the defeat “will take a long time for this wound to heal.” Despite the heartbreak, Messi chose to focus on the positive memories created during Argentina’s campaign, reflecting on the hard work that propelled the team forward.
He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from fans throughout the tournament. Messi poignantly remarked, “Once again we were able to come together as a nation and share the immense pride of being Argentine,” before extending his congratulations to Spain for their victory.
Return Home to a Warm Welcome
Days after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, Messi returned quietly to his hometown of Rosario for a short break before resuming his club duties. Although he avoided public engagements, his arrival did not go unnoticed; hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport, waving flags and displaying signs to celebrate Argentina’s soccer legend. One banner poignantly read, “Messi: You are a legend. Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts. The whole country loves you!”
Messi quickly left the scene in a waiting SUV, accompanied by his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and their three children, but the outpouring of love from fans was unmistakable. He also reunited with his father Jorge, who had been recovering during the World Cup.
Historic Accomplishments in a Legendary Career
Although Argentina fell short of consecutive World Cup victories, Messi’s accomplishments continue to enrich his illustrious career. He became the first player to start three FIFA World Cup finals, following appearances in the 2014 and 2022 tournaments. In the most recent competition, Messi tallied eight goals and four assists, placing him just behind France’s Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race.
His impressive international record now stands at **125 goals**, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo’s **146.** Messi’s World Cup scoring total of **21 goals** is only surpassed by Mbappé, who achieved 22 goals. With the MLS All-Star Game now behind him, Messi is focused on recovery and is expected to return to Inter Miami in late July or early August, ready to continue his extraordinary journey in soccer.
