What specific agreement allows Messi and De Paul to skip the All-Star Game?

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An agreement between Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association permits players who reach the final stages of the World Cup to be excused from the MLS All-Star Game.

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not participate in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game due to a pre-season agreement that allows players exiting the World Cup competition to have individual discussions with their clubs regarding rest and return timelines. This arrangement has been applied consistently with the established understanding between the league and the players' association.
Pre-Season Agreement on Player Rest

Leading up to the 2026 season, Major League Soccer (MLS) and the MLS Players Association reached a consensus. This agreement stipulated that following a player's elimination from the World Cup, clubs would engage in direct conversations with those individuals. The purpose of these discussions was to establish a suitable schedule for rest and subsequent return to training and competitive matches.
Application to Messi and De Paul

In accordance with this pre-arranged framework, both Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have been granted exemptions from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. This decision aligns with the league's acknowledgement of the demanding schedule faced by players involved in the latter stages of the international tournament. Both players were key figures in the recent World Cup final.
Context of the All-Star Game Policy

Previously, participation in the MLS All-Star Game was generally mandatory, with exceptions typically only granted for injuries. However, the timing of the 2026 World Cup, which occurred mid-season with a seven-week league pause, necessitated a revised approach. This change contrasts with past instances where players, including Messi and his former teammate Jordi Alba, faced sanctions for skipping the event, prompting a review of the league's long-standing policy.

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What specific agreement allows Messi and De Paul to skip the All-Star Game?

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