Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi will not take part in Wednesday’s MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte, N.C., as the Argentine legend continues to rest following his country’s deep run in the World Cup. He was one of four players officially ruled out of the showcase event on Saturday.
The All-Star Game will pit the top talent from Major League Soccer against the best players from Mexico’s LIGA MX.
Also withdrawn from the event were Hugo Cuypers, Rodrigo De Paul, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Cuypers had earned his All-Star selection through his standout performances with the Chicago Fire, but his spot became unavailable after he was transferred to Mexico’s CF Monterrey on Thursday.
De Paul, a midfielder for Inter Miami, is stepping away from the game for the same reason as Messi — both played for Argentina during the World Cup and are in need of rest. Mbokazi, a defender with the Chicago Fire, was ruled out due to a lower body injury. The South Africa native also featured in this summer’s World Cup.
To fill the four vacated spots, league officials named four new All-Stars on Saturday: Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright, Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andres Cubas, Houston Dynamo forward Guilherme, and Chicago Fire forward Philip Zinckernagel.
Bright has been a key contributor for Inter Miami, leading the team to a 9-2-1 record in his 12 starts this season. Cubas has chipped in three assists over 12 appearances for Vancouver. Guilherme has been impressive in his first year with Houston, tallying eight goals and five assists, while Zinckernagel has recorded five goals and seven assists for Chicago.
