Lionel Messi and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul will miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game without facing any punishment, protected by a player welfare agreement set before the season.

This comes after Argentina's World Cup final against Spain, where Messi and De Paul were granted excused absences under a new MLS-Players Association deal.

The 39-year-old Messi has missed the All-Star event three times in a row, including previous absences due to injury and a controversial 2025 withdrawal.This time, the pre-season agreement ensures no penalties, unlike the 2025 incident where both players faced suspensions.The decision highlights MLS's focus on player recovery post-World Cup, aligning with global FIFPro guidelines.

Messi's absence from the match underscores the balance between club commitments and international duty, with fans speculating on his impact on Inter Miami's MLS performance.The agreement marks a shift in how leagues manage player rest periods after major tournaments, prioritizing health over participation.