Major League Soccer has confirmed that two of its prominent Argentina internationals, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, will not participate in the upcoming MLS All-Star Game scheduled for Wednesday at Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium. The event, which traditionally pits the league’s elite against the best talent from Liga MX, will proceed without these marquee players despite their initial selection to the squad.
This decision stems from a prior agreement made before the 2026 season between MLS and the MLS Players Association concerning players’ recovery following the FIFA World Cup. According to the league, individual clubs are expected to consult with returning players to establish suitable rest periods and timelines for their return to training and competition. As a result, both Messi and De Paul will be exempt from this year’s All-Star exhibition to ensure their proper recovery.
Adjustments to the All-Star roster
Although the absence of two of MLS’s biggest stars is notable, the league has emphasized that the All-Star Game will still showcase a stellar lineup. Leading the roster are internationally recognized figures such as Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller, who will headline the squad facing Liga MX’s top talent.
To fill the vacancies left by Messi and De Paul, MLS has announced four replacement players, ensuring the team remains competitive and representative of the league’s quality. The adjustments reflect the league’s commitment to balancing player welfare with delivering a high-profile event for fans.