Messi and De Paul to miss Inter Miami fixtures following World Cup hiatus
Inter Miami CF has confirmed Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will sit out upcoming matches against Chicago Fire FC and CF Montréal, as well as the MLS All-Star game, in line with FIFA and FIFPRO guidelines.
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will miss Inter Miami CF’s next two Major League Soccer matches against Chicago Fire FC and CF Montréal following their participation in the FIFA World Cup with Argentina. The players are taking time off in line with a consensus between FIFA and FIFPRO for a 21-day rest period at the end of the season. Both players have also been ruled out of the MLS All-Star game on July 29.
Sources told ESPN that the players are taking time off in line with a consensus between FIFA and FIFPRO for a 21-day rest period at the end of the season. Messi played all 120 minutes of the World Cup final extra-time loss to Spain. Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, finishing second in the Golden Boot race behind Kylian Mbappé. Messi became the first player to start three World Cup finals (2014, 2022, and the recent final against Spain). Messi reached 125 career international goals during the tournament. Messi posted a message on social media expressing that the "pain is immense" but cherishing the memories and support from the country.
FIFPRO, the global representative organisation for professional footballers, had called for a 21-day rest period at the end of each season for health reasons. FIFA reviewed these demands in 2025 and reached a consensus with FIFPRO, stating there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches and a rest period of at least 21 days at the end of each season. This rest period is to be managed individually by each club and player, depending on match calendars and collective agreements. Argentina lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in extra time. Messi led Argentina to their second consecutive World Cup final appearance, having won the trophy in 2022.
It remains unclear whether the two players will be unavailable for the entirety of the recommended 21-day rest period. The specific duration of the hiatus for each player is not explicitly confirmed beyond the two matches and the All-Star game.
The decision underscores the institutional framework now governing player welfare post-tournament. While the exact return date remains fluid, the exclusion from the All-Star fixture confirms that the initial phase of the rest window is being strictly observed by the club and the players in conjunction with MLS regulations.
