Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old superstar, will NOT be playing in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, officially pulled from the roster by Major League Soccer this past Saturday. It is a tough pill to swallow, but honestly, are any of us truly surprised when it comes to the All-Star Game and the Argentine phenom?
What Went Down, And No, He’s Not Suspended
So, the news hit that Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, were officially removed from the All-Star squad. We also saw Hugo Cuypers and Mbekezeli Mbokazi from the Chicago Fire get pulled, one due to a transfer and the other sidelined by injury. But for Messi and De Paul, their absence is excused. Why? Because they just wrapped up a brutal 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Argentina. That final, a heartbreaker 1-0 loss to Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium, must have been an absolute grind, and clearly, the league understands the toll it takes. This is a huge distinction from last season, where Messi and his buddy Jordi Alba actually *were* suspended for making a last-minute decision to sit out. This time, it is different. No suspension, just a very understandable, though still disappointing, absence due to national team duties.
The All-Star Game’s Messi Problem
Here’s the kicker, folks. Despite being named to the MLS All-Star roster for a third straight season, Messi has NEVER actually taken the field for the league’s big showcase event. Let that sink in. THREE STRAIGHT SEASONS on the roster, zero appearances. Back in 2024, he missed out with an ankle injury he picked up during the 2024 Copa América. Then, in 2025, he just chose not to play. Now, in 2026, it is the World Cup hangover. It feels like a broken record, doesn’t it? Every year, the league hypes up Messi’s inclusion, and every year, something keeps him from joining the party. You have to wonder what this means for the event itself when its biggest named player consistently misses out. It is a tough look for the league, no matter how valid the reasons might be. Fans buy tickets, they tune in hoping to catch a glimpse of greatness, and for three years running, they have been left wanting.
So, the 2026 MLS All-Star Game at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday will go on, just without its brightest star. Four replacements were named on Saturday to fill out the roster. While the collective talent on display will still be incredible, there is no denying the air of disappointment that comes with Messi’s continued absence. Maybe one day we will see the 39-year-old on the All-Star pitch, but for now, it is another year of “what if.” Let us just hope the game itself brings enough fireworks to make up for the missing magic.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
Leave a Reply