Lionel Messi won’t be taking the pitch at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday night, having pulled out of his third-consecutive MLS All-Star Game since joining the league back in 2023. MLS typically issues a suspension to those that skip the All-Star Game for reasons unrelated to injuries—Messi himself was handed a one-game suspension for his absence last year. Why Are Messi, De Paul Excused From 2026 MLS All-Star Game? Rodrigo De Paul (left) and Messi will both miss the MLS All-Star game. Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game,” the league wrote in Saturday’s statement.