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Lionel Messi is unquestionably the biggest draw of any player in Major League Soccer.
Therefore, his presence at the MLS All-Star game every year is a hot-button topic as fans hope to catch a glimpse of the Argentine at the showcase event.
29 players were chosen to represent the league in the July 29 showcase match against an all-star roster from Liga MX in Mexico.
The Sporting News discusses whether Messi will be present for the match, and explains his whereabouts on the day.
MORE: How long will Lionel Messi be out for Inter Miami?
Is Lionel Messi playing MLS All-Star game?
Lionel Messi will NOT be playing at the 2026 MLS All-Star game.
Having reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with Argentina, Messi has now earned rest and recovery time, as mandated by FIFA and the FIFPRO player's union.
Messi is allowed at least 21 days of rest from the day his team was eliminated before he can be mandated to return to action. The same is true for his club and international teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who will also miss the All-Star game for the same reason.
MORE: Players with the most goals in the history of the World Cup
Will Lionel Messi get suspended for skipping All-Star game?
No, Messi will not be suspended for his absence from the 2026 All-Star game.
The Argentina star was banned for one game last season after his unexcused absence for the 2025 All-Star match.
However, this time the absence is excused. FIFA and FIFPRO came to an agreement that all players must be given at least 21 days of rest at the end of each season. Even though the current MLS season is ongoing, FIFA considers the World Cup the "end of the season" as it relates to most European leagues, and therefore all World Cup players are allowed to enjoy this post-tournament rest before continuing activities.
When will Lionel Messi be back for Inter Miami?
Following the 21-day mandate from FIFA and FIFPRO, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul do not have to be back in training until at least August 9, or later if Inter Miami allow.
It is up to the club and the players to come to a mutual understanding on their return to play, and it's possible that Messi could ask for longer than the minimum allowed time given he is now 38 years old and his body may not recover as fast as most athletes closer to their prime.
It's also possible that Messi and De Paul return before the 21-day window closes, but only if they agree, as the club cannot mandate that action.
MLS All-Star game 2026 lineups
The initial starting XI for the MLS All-Star game is decided by a voting process that combines fan, player, and media selections.
From there, the rest of the roster is filled out by a selection of individuals chosen in tandem by the designated All-Star coaching staff (led in 2026 by Charlotte FC's Dean Smith, as Charlotte is the host city) and the league office.
Finally, the MLS commissioner is allowed to make final selections, as Don Garber elected to add two players to the squad for the 2026 game.
| Pos. | Player | Club | Selected by |
| GK | Maxime Crepeau | Orlando City | Coach's selection |
| GK | Matt Freese | NYCFC | Coach's selection |
| GK | Brian Schwake | Nashville SC | Fan/Player/Media vote |
| DEF | Max Arfsten | Columbus Crew | Coach's selection |
| DEF | Lucas Harrington | Colorado Rapids | Commissioner's pick |
| DEF | Anthony Markanich | Minnesota United | Fan/Player/Media vote |
| DEF | Steven Moreira | Columbus Crew | Coach's selection |
| DEF | Daniel Munie | San Jose Earthquakes | Coach's selection |
| DEF | Andy Najar | Nashville SC | Fan/Player/Media vote |
| DEF | Jackson Ragen | Seattle Sounders | Coach's selection |
| DEF | Tim Ream | Charlotte FC | Fan/Player/Media vote |
| MID | Sebastian Berhalter | Vancouver Whitecaps | Fan/Player/Media vote |
| MID | Pep Biel | Charlotte FC | Coach's selection |
| MID | Yannick Bright | Inter Miami | Coach's selection |
| MID | Andres Cubas | Vancouver Whitecaps | Coach's selection |
| MID | Evander | FC Cincinnati | Coach's selection |
| MID | Carles Gil | New England Rev. | Coach's selection |
| MID | Zavier Gozo | Real Salt Lake | Fan/Player/Media vote |
| MID | Hany Mukhtar | Nashville SC | Fan/Player/Media vote |
| MID | Thomas Muller | Vancouver Whitecaps | Coach's selection |
| MID | Ashley Westwood | Charlotte FC | Coach's selection |
| FWD | Anders Dreyer | San Diego FC | Coach's selection |
| FWD | Guilherme | Houston Dynamo | Coach's selection |
| FWD | Julian Hall | New York Red Bulls | Commissioner's pick |
| FWD | Son Heung-Min | LAFC | Fan/Player/Media vote |
| FWD | Petar Musa | FC Dallas | Coach's selection |
| FWD | Sam Surridge | Nashville SC | Coach's selection |
| FWD | Philip Zinckernagel | Chicago Fire | Coach's selection |
The following players were initially selected to the 2026 MLS All-Star roster but have withdrawn for an excused absence: Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire — transfer), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami — rest), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire — injury) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami — rest)
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