When Lionel Messi skipped last year’s MLS All-Star Game, it resulted in an enormous fervor and a suspension once the regular season resumed. It won’t be quite so contentious this time around.
Messi was named to the all-star team (no surprise there for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner) ahead of tonight’s exhibition against the best of Mexico’s Liga MX. But the 39-year-old striker hasn’t played for his club since May 24, missing Inter Miami’s first two games after the World Cup break.
The Argentina captain was pretty busy over the past two months, scoring eight goals and adding four assists across his country’s eight matches en route to the World Cup final. Three of those went into extra time, including the defending champions’ agonizing 1-0 loss to Spain on July 19 that saw Messi finish runner-up for the second time on soccer’s biggest stage. He even saw himself in second in career World Cup goals after being the first to break Miroslav Klose’s record (his 21 got outpaced by Kylian Mbappe’s 22 thanks to a wild third-place game in Miami).
Watch MLS All-Star Game on Apple TV
The two-time reigning MLS MVP has been out recovering from the competition, along with Rodrigo De Paul, his teammate for club and country. Both were named All-Stars, but neither will participate in tonight’s showcase in Charlotte. And unlike last year, it won’t lead to a suspension for either player.
Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba both held out of the 2025 All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, for which the league said it was not given prior notification. Both players were scratched from the roster eight hours before kickoff, and they were suspended for the team’s next game per MLS rules, which stated anyone who misses the game without an injury receives a one-game suspension. The game came about a month after Miami’s run in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup ended.
Is Messi playing in MLS All-Star Game?
No. Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul were given permission to skip the All-Star festivities this week. On July 25, MLS said it had reworked its rules regarding All-Star participation to accommodate those who played in the World Cup.
“Prior to the start of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that upon a player’s exit from the World Cup competition, clubs would have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest and return to training and competition timeline,” MLS said in a statement.
“Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.”
Hugo Cuypers (Monterrey/Belgium) and the injured Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire/South Africa) also were scratched from the All-Star Game. Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright was one of those names as replacements.
When is the MLS All Star Game?
- Date: Wednesday, July 29
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game pitting the MLS All-Stars vs. the Liga MX All-Stars is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29.
What channel is MLS All-Star Game on today?
- TV channel: Not on traditional TV.
- Live streaming:Apple TV
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV. It will not air on traditional TV.
Inter Miami schedule
Messi will return after the All-Star Game with Inter Miami. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule (all times Eastern).
- Saturday, Aug. 1: vs. Columbus | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV
- Wednesday, Aug. 5: vs. Atlético de San Luis* | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV
- Saturday, Aug. 8: vs. Monterrey* | 8 p.m. | Apple TV
- Wednesday, Aug. 12: vs. León* | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV
- Saturday, Aug. 15: at Nashville | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV
*- Leagues Cup
When is MLS playoffs?
The MLS Cup Playoffs are still a ways off, with Inter Miami’s last regular-season game coming Nov. 7. The season will conclude with the 2026 MLS Cup awarded Dec. 18. Here’s a look at the playoff schedule:
- Nov. 18: Wild-card matches
- Nov. 20-Dec. 2: First round (best of three)
- Dec. 5-6: Conference semifinals
- Dec. 11-12: Conference finals
- Dec. 18: MLB Cup
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Is Messi playing today? What to know about MLS All-Star Game 2026
