Full Breakdown
Messi and De Paul Excused from 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game
7/26/2026, 4:17:43 AM
Core Event – Roster Changes for the All-Star Showcase
On Saturday, MLS announced that Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul would be removed from the All-Star roster for the match against a Liga MX All-Stars squad in Charlotte, North Carolina. The league named four replacements: Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright, Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andrés Cubas, Houston Dynamo forward Guilherme, and Chicago Fire forward Philip Zinckernagel. The announcement was made on July 25.
Background & Context
The 2026 FIFA World Cup ended with Argentina losing 1-0 to Spain on July 19. Both Messi and De Paul featured heavily in that run. The 2026 season began with an agreement between MLS and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) allowing clubs to set post-World Cup rest periods for each player, which underlies the current excusal.
Official Statements & Responses
MLS reiterated the pre-season agreement with the MLSPA: clubs determine rest periods for returning World Cup players, and, consistent with that framework, Messi and De Paul are excused from the All-Star Game. The league emphasized that the excusal removes any risk of suspension for the two players.
Data & Statistics – Updated All-Star Roster
- Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (NYC FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
- Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus), Lucas Herrington (Colorado), Richie Laryea (Toronto), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota), Steven Moreira (Columbus), Daniel Munie (San Jose), Andy Najar (Nashville), Jackson Ragen (Seattle), Tim Ream (Charlotte)
- Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver), Pep Biel (Charlotte), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver), Evander (Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England), Zavier Gozo (RSL), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville), Thomas Müller (Vancouver), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte)
- Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego), Guilherme (Houston), Julian Hall (NY Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago)
The four new additions replace Messi, De Paul, Hugo Cuypers (transferred to Monterrey) and defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi (injury).
Why It Matters – Impact on the Showcase
Messi’s absence marks the third consecutive All-Star Game he will miss despite being named to the roster. The decision avoids a repeat of the 2025 suspension controversy and keeps the roster competitive, featuring other World Cup participants such as Son Heung-Min and Thomas Müller. The replacements—particularly Bright and Cubas—gain high-profile exposure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree that Messi and De Paul are excused and will not face suspension. No conflicting reports have emerged.
What’s Next – Upcoming All-Star Weekend
The MLS All-Stars will face the Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte later this week, with a Skills Challenge scheduled the day before. Roster adjustments were finalized on July 29, and the revised lineup will compete in the showcase. Updates on Messi’s return to Inter Miami action are expected in August.
