- Lionel Messi will not play in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game — MLS removed him from the roster and named replacements.
- His absence is excused (no suspension) because he just returned from Argentina’s World Cup run that ended in the final.
- Although named to three straight All-Star rosters, Messi has never appeared in MLS All-Star Weekend (missed 2024 with an ankle injury and opted out in 2025).
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