Messi excused from 2026 MLS All-Star Game under World Cup recovery agreement

MLS roster management policy changes affect player availability for marquee events and rest protocols. The 2026 All-Star Game loses two high-profile participants (Messi and De Paul), reducing star power for the July 29 exhibition at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The pre-arranged World Cup exemption establishes formal recovery rights for international tournament participants, contrasting with last year's suspension of Messi and Jordi Alba for unannounced absence. Four roster replacements (Bright, Cubas, Guilherme, Zinckernagel) will fill vacant slots; the game will still feature international stars including Son Heung-min, Thomas Müller, and Tim Ream.