[Official] Messi confirms absence from MLS All-Star Game; 'combined goal scenario' with Son Heung-min falls through

*This content was translated by AI.

Lionel Messi's (Inter Miami) participation in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game has ultimately been confirmed as absent. The anticipated chemistry between Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Messi, including hopes for a combined goal, also fell through.

The MLS office officially announced on the 26th (Korean time) that four players, including Messi and Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), were excluded from the MLS All-Star roster for various reasons.

Instead, Philipp Sengerhans (Chicago Fire), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), and Guilherme (Houston Dynamo) have been newly added to the MLS All-Star roster.

Messi's absence from the MLS All-Star Game was already inevitable due to the aftermath of his participation in the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

According to local reports, the MLS office and the MLS Players Association agreed that the timing for players who participated in the North American World Cup to return to their clubs would be determined through individual negotiations between each club and player.

Messi led the Argentina national team all the way to the World Cup final and required rest; however, the MLS All-Star Game was scheduled precisely during this period.

In response, Inter Miami informed the MLS office that Messi and de Paul would be absent from the MLS All-Star Game due to their participation in the World Cup. The timing of Messi's return to his club remains undecided.

Additionally, changes were made to four spots on the MLS All-Star roster as other players became unable to participate in the All-Star Game due to factors such as transfers to other leagues after being selected for the All-Star team.

With Messi's absence from the MLS All-Star Game now finalized, fans who had anticipated seeing Son Heung-min and Messi play together were left with regret.

Previously, both Son Heung-min and Messi were selected as MLS All-Stars through fan voting, and news of two superstars representing MLS playing on the same team became a major topic not only in Korea but also locally.

Moreover, this year's All-Star Game featured a matchup between the MLS All-Stars and Liga MX All-Stars from Mexico, drawing significant attention to whether Son Heung-min and Messi would score a combined goal. However, that opportunity was ultimately postponed.

The MLS All-Star Game will be held at 9 a.m. on the 30th at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Prior to the main match, Son Heung-min also made the roster for the MLS All-Star Skill Challenge.

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*This content was translated by AI.