The American League exempts Messi from the mandatory All-Star Game

The Major League Soccer League (MLS) announced today, Saturday, that Argentine Lionel Messi will not be obligated to participate in the All-Star Game next week, after representing his country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Inter Miami star was subjected to a penalty last year due to his absence from the annual exhibition match that brings together the most prominent stars of the American League against the stars of the Mexican League, and participation in the match is usually considered mandatory, except in cases of injury.
But the World Cup was held this year in the middle of the American League season, which was suspended for seven weeks, and the league confirmed that exceptions had been previously approved for players who reached the final stages of the global tournament.
The league’s statement said: “Before the start of the 2026 season, the NFL and the Players Association agreed that after the player leaves the World Cup, the clubs will hold individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest period and schedule for returning to training and competitions.”
The statement added, “In line with this agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be exempt from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.”