Lionel Messi hands MLS blow just days after 'rat' behavior in World Cup final
Lionel Messi hands MLS blow just days after 'rat' behavior in World Cup final
Joseph McBrideTue, July 21, 2026 at 6:10 PM UTC
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Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are expected to miss the MLS All-Star Game -Credit:2026 FIFA
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game is expected to take place without the biggest star in the league, as Lionel Messi will skip the event after being called out for his behavior during the FIFA World Cup final.
Messi and De Paul both play for Inter Miami, and the club's MLS season will resume on July 22. However, Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who will also miss the game, just finished representing Argentina at the World Cup, with the nation going all the way to Sunday's final before losing 1-0 to Spain.
While Messi's teammates have been called out for their dark arts during the World Cup, desperation appeared to get the better of the 39-year-old against Spain. He was called a 'rat' for trying to get Marc Cucurella sent off, but Messi will now enjoy some rest at the expense of the MLS All-Star Game.
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The MLS All-Star Game is set for July 29 in Charlotte, but according to ESPN, Messi and De Paul won't feature. It's already been confirmed that the Miami stars will miss upcoming games against the Chicago Fire and Montreal, and the All-Star Game will also come too soon.
FIFA has advised a 21-day rest period for players after competing in the World Cup, though it's not sure how long Messi and De Paul will be sidelined. However, interim Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos has no intention of rushing his stars back.
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"What they need now is to rest with their loved ones. They will be out for as long as necessary," Hoyos said.
Messi has returned to Argentina while De Paul has reportedly stayed in the U.S. -Credit:2026 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
MLS is set to switch to the European soccer schedule from next year, but the delay feels like a missed opportunity after the World Cup. Argentina's expected deep run in the tournament has also hindered the appeal of the MLS All-Star Game.
De Paul has reportedly stayed in the U.S. after the World Cup final, along with several other teammates. Others flew back to Buenos Aires for an open-top bus parade, but Messi flew alone and headed to Rosario, Argentina.
While Messi was hailed for his class throughout the tournament, fans turned on him toward the end of the World Cup final. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez had just been sent off, and the game was about to head into extra time at 0-0.
Messi was called out for attempting to get Marc Cucurella sent off -Credit:PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images
Tensions flared toward the end of the game, and Cucurella approached Messi and attempted to speak with him. Cucurella briefly covered his mouth, an action that has resulted in two players receiving red cards at the World Cup.
The rule was introduced to stop players from saying abusive remarks toward opponents, as they wouldn't be able to hide their messages. Miguel Almiron and Piero Hincapie were both sent off for confronting opponents and covering their mouths.
Cucurella didn't appear to be in a confrontational manner, but Messi instantly pleaded with referee Slavko Vincic and attempted to have the Spanish defender sent off. The referee ignored the protest, and Cucurella saw out the game.
With Argentina down a man and struggling to register a shot, Messi was desperate to do what he could to help his nation. The gesture was criticized, and Messi will now relax after an emotional summer before returning to MLS after the All-Star break.
Source: “AOL Sports”
