MLS All-Star Game will be without Messi, but hopes for support

According to News.

Context

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paula will not participate in the MLS All-Star Game as they rest after intense matches at the World Cup. The absence has caused controversy among fans, especially given that Messi missed a match last year and was punished. The league has decided to exempt players returning from the World Cup from this match, highlighting the importance of their recovery.

Why is this important

The absence of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul from the 2026 MLS All-Star Game may dampen interest in the event, but the league is hoping to ride the post-World Cup wave of soccer's popularity. This event, planned in Charlotte, will be an important platform to discuss the future of MLS and attract new fans. With the World Cup bringing soccer into the spotlight in the United States, the league is committed to maintaining that interest.

Key takeaways

• MLS All-Star Game will be without Messi, but hopes for support.
• The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will be played without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, but the league hopes to ride on the post-World Cup wave of interest in soccer.
• MLS All-Star Game missing Messi but hoping to capitalize on post-World Cup lift.

2026 will be a big year for the MLS All-Star Game, which will take place without legendary players Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite the absence of stars such as Messi, the league will benefit from a wave of interest in soccer following the World Cup, which was the biggest soccer event ever held on American soil.

While the match loses some of its luster due to world tournament fatigue, team owner meetings and Board of Directors discussions about the future of the league continue to be important. This week will be a festive occasion for fans who will gather to celebrate football. This year's match will feature stars such as Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller representing MLS.

Additionally, a number of talented young players such as Real Salt Lake's Zaiwer Gozo and New York Red Bulls' Julian Hall will also make the roster.

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not be on the field as they rest after intense matches at the World Cup, in which their team Argentina reached the final. Because of this, Messi will not be able to participate in the meeting, which caused a mixed reaction among fans. Last year he missed the All-Star Game and received a one-day suspension, which will not happen again.The league decided to exempt players returning from the World Cup from the match based on an agreement with the MLS Players Association.

There will also be changes on the Liga MX side. The team was expected to include players such as Brian Gutierrez and Richie Ledezma, but they will not be able to make it. They will be replaced by other stars such as Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon and Tigres' Juan Bruneta.

The week will culminate with the Annual Skills Challenge on Tuesday, where teams will compete in a variety of competitions, including the popular Goalie Wars. This year's event will feature celebrity guests such as actor Danny Ramirez and former NFL player Chad Ocho Cinco.

Despite the absence of some stars, the MLS All-Star Game remains an important event for the league and its fans, providing an opportunity to celebrate soccer and its growth in North America.

Match Time: July 29, 8:00 PM ET. Watch the broadcast on Apple TV.

What happens next

While the match will take place without stars such as Messi, club owners will meet at a Board of Directors meeting to discuss the future of the league. It is expected that this discussion will form the basis for the further development of MLS and the attraction of new talent. Fans will be able to enjoy games featuring stars such as Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller, adding to the excitement of the upcoming event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why will Lionel Messi not participate in the MLS All-Star Game?

Lionel Messi will not participate in the match as he is resting after intense matches at the World Cup, in which his Argentina team reached the final.

When will the MLS All-Star Game take place?

The MLS All-Star Game will take place on Wednesday, July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Who confirmed the absence of Messi and De Paul at the match?

The League has decided to exempt players returning from the World Cup from participating in this match based on an agreement with the MLS Players Association.

What changes are expected in the composition of the teams for the match?

This year's match will feature stars such as Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller, as well as a number of talented young players such as Zaiver Gozo and Julian Hall.

Why is the match important for MLS in 2026?

2026 will be a big year for the MLS All-Star Game as the league looks to ride the wave of interest in soccer following the World Cup, which has become the biggest soccer event in the United States.

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