Football icon Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami colleague Rodrigo De Paul are slated to sit out the team's forthcoming pair of matches, alongside the highly anticipated MLS All-Star Game. This temporary absence stems from the demanding schedule both players endured during their recent World Cup campaign with Argentina, adhering to professional football organizations' recommendations for athlete recovery and health.
Both Messi and De Paul were pivotal figures in Argentina's World Cup journey, participating in all eight fixtures. Messi, in particular, demonstrated remarkable endurance, playing every minute of the final match against Spain, which concluded in a narrow 1-0 defeat on July 19, 2026. Their significant involvement in the global tournament underscores the need for a period of recuperation, a principle championed by FIFPRO, the global body representing professional footballers.
The decision to bench these star players for the upcoming Inter Miami games and the MLS All-Star Game, scheduled for July 29 against the Liga MX All-Stars, was officially communicated to the league. This preemptive measure aims to prevent potential overexertion and long-term health issues, aligning with FIFPRO's longstanding recommendation for a 21-day rest period following the conclusion of each season. This guideline is crucial for maintaining players' physical and mental well-being, especially after high-stakes competitions like the World Cup.
In 2025, FIFA and FIFPRO jointly established a 72-hour rest interval between matches during the World Cup, emphasizing player welfare. While this applies to tournament play, the broader 21-day recommendation for post-season recovery highlights a commitment to protecting athletes from burnout. Messi's prior decision to skip the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, leading to a suspension, illustrates the league's initial stance on unapproved absences. However, this year's situation, with Inter Miami's official notification, suggests a more cooperative approach in prioritizing player health.
Consequently, Messi and De Paul will not be featured in the matches against the Chicago Fire on Wednesday and CF Montreal on Saturday. Following these fixtures, Inter Miami is scheduled to play Columbus on August 1, before entering the Leagues Cup competition from August 5-12. If no injuries arise, their absence aligns with missing three MLS games within the recommended 21-day recovery window. Messi's exceptional performance in the recent World Cup, where he netted eight goals and provided four assists, securing second place in the Golden Boot race, further accentuates the physical toll of his participation. Inter Miami currently holds a strong position in the MLS Eastern Conference, sitting in second place, just five points behind Nashville SC, with a record of 9 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses.
This strategic move by Inter Miami to rest its key players, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, reflects a proactive stance on player welfare, particularly after their demanding World Cup campaign. Adhering to professional health guidelines, the club aims to ensure the long-term fitness and performance of its stars, even if it means temporary absences from crucial matches and high-profile events like the All-Star Game. This decision underscores the evolving understanding of athlete management in modern professional sports.
