Lionel Messi will miss the upcoming MLS All-Star Game without facing suspension, thanks to a special agreement between Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association. This arrangement, rooted in player welfare protections established by FIFPro, allows players adequate rest after World Cup participation. Messi and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul are both excused, having reached the World Cup final where Argentina faced Spain. The article states Spain secured their second World Cup title by defeating the defending champions 1-0.

This marks Messi's third time being named to the MLS All-Star roster but not appearing. Previous instances included a suspension in 2025 alongside Jordi Alba for pulling out without a documented injury, and an ankle injury in 2024 after the Copa America final. Yannick Bright, Andrés Cubas, Philip Zinckernagel, and Guilherme are among the replacements named for the game.