Messi won’t attend 2026 MLS All-Star Game, but doesn’t risk suspension this time

Lionel Messi will miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game for the second consecutive year, but this time his absence is excused following his participation in the World Cup. Messi is one of four players replaced on the MLS squad, with Hugo Cuypers, Rodrigo De Paul, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi also withdrawn; their replacements include Yannick Bright, Andrés Cubas, Guilherme, and Philip Zinckernagel. The MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for Wednesday night at Charlotte FC's Bank of America Stadium, where MLS will face Liga MX All-Stars.