Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will avoid disciplinary action for skipping the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, thanks to a special exemption tied to their World Cup participation.

The duo, key members of Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad that reached the final, were granted leave by Major League Soccer (MLS) and the MLS Players Association.This decision follows a prior suspension in 2025 when Messi and Jordi Alba faced penalties for withdrawing without medical excuses.

The current leniency stems from a pre-season agreement between MLS and FIFPro, which prioritizes player welfare for those involved in major international tournaments.The exemption allows Messi and De Paul to take a 21-day recovery period after the World Cup, delaying their return to Inter Miami until early August.While the absence impacts MLS's marketing efforts, the league maintains a strong squad with nine World Cup participants.

The MLS All-Star Game will proceed with adjustments, featuring international talent but without Messi and De Paul, who remain critical to Inter Miami's strategy.