Lionel Messi removed from 2026 MLS All-Star Game roster due to World Cup recovery
Lionel Messi will not participate in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking his third consecutive season missing the event. The Inter Miami captain and teammate Rodrigo De Paul have been removed from the roster. Both players recently represented Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, which concluded last week.
MLS announced four roster replacements on Saturday, less than a week before the scheduled match against the Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte. In addition to Messi and De Paul, Hugo Cuypers and Mbekezeli Mbokazi will also be absent from the All-Star Game.
Reasons for Absences and Replacements
Messi and De Paul’s absences are attributed to fatigue and recovery following their participation in the World Cup. This decision aligns with an agreement made between Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association prior to the 2026 season. This agreement allows clubs to determine appropriate rest and return timelines for players after their World Cup commitments.
Cuypers, who was previously a MLS Golden Boot co-leader, will miss the game due to a transfer. He was sold by Chicago Fire to Liga MX club CF Monterrey. Mbokazi is currently recovering from a lower body injury.
The U.S. men’s national team midfielder Sebastian Berhalter is also likely to be unavailable. He is reportedly linked with an impending transfer from Vancouver Whitecaps to English Championship side Middlesbrough.
For the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, Messi and teammate Jordi Alba withdrew on the day of the match without a documented injury, leading to a one-match suspension for both players. In 2024, Messi missed the event after sustaining an ankle injury during the Copa América final.
This year, Messi and De Paul will not face any disciplinary action for missing the All-Star Game. MLS confirmed that their excusal is consistent with the pre-season agreement regarding World Cup participants.
New Additions to the All-Star Roster
With several players unavailable, MLS has named four replacements for the All-Star roster. Yannick Bright, a midfielder for Inter Miami, is one of the new additions. Bright, a top pick from the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, has recorded two assists in 12 games this season. He also signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through 2028, with an option for an additional season.
Andrés Cubas, a midfielder for Vancouver Whitecaps, has also been added to the squad. Cubas played a significant role in Paraguay’s run to the World Cup round of 16, where they upset Germany in the round of 32. He led all players in defensive contributions during the tournament, with 52.
Philip Zinckernagel, a forward for Chicago Fire, joins the team in place of Cuypers. Zinckernagel has scored five goals and provided seven assists in 15 matches this season. Additionally, Houston Dynamo FC forward Guilherme has been included and is considered a contender for the 2026 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.
The final 2026 MLS All-Star Game roster includes players selected through various methods, such as coach’s selections, fan votes, and commissioner’s picks. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30.
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Source: si.com
