Lionel Messi issues immediate blow after shameful World Cup final | Football | Sport
Lionel Messi was called out for attempting to get Marc Cucurella sent off. (Image: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi and his Argentina enforcer Rodrigo De Paul have issued damning blows to MLS, where they both play for Inter Miami. The pair have come in for extreme criticism at the World Cup, with Messi slammed for trying to get Marc Cucurella sent off and Paredes for his violent confrontations at the final whistle.
And the 2026 MLS All-Star game looks set to take place without two of the league’s biggest names, as Messi and De Paul are expected to miss out. MLS’ season returned yesterday, but those who went far into the international tournament have been given extended rest.
Messi was branded a ‘rat’ for his attempt to get Marc Cucurella dismissed, according to Mirror US, but will now take a well-earned rest at the cost of the All-Star Game.
The showpiece match is scheduled for July 29 in Charlotte, but neither Messi nor De Paul will take part. It has already been confirmed that the Miami duo will be unavailable for forthcoming fixtures against the Chicago Fire and Montreal, and the All-Star Game will also arrive too soon for the pair.
FIFA has recommended a 21-day rest period for players following World Cup participation, though it remains unclear how long Messi and De Paul will be unavailable. Nevertheless, interim Miami boss Guillermo Hoyos has made clear he won’t be hurrying his star players back into action.
“What they need now is to rest with their loved ones. They will be out for as long as necessary,” Hoyos said.
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De Paul has remained in the US following the World Cup final, alongside several other team-mates. Others returned to Buenos Aires for an open-top bus parade, while Messi travelled separately and made his way to Rosario, Argentina.
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are expected to miss the MLS All-Star Game. (Image: Getty)
While Messi was lauded for his conduct throughout the competition, supporters turned against him towards the conclusion of the World Cup final. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez had just been dismissed, and the match was about to enter extra time at 0-0.
Tempers flared near the end of proceedings, and Cucurella approached Messi and tried to engage him in conversation. Cucurella momentarily covered his mouth, a gesture that has led to two players receiving red cards at the World Cup.
The regulation was brought in to prevent players from making abusive comments towards opponents, ensuring they couldn’t conceal their words. Miguel Almiron and Piero Hincapie were both dismissed for confronting rivals while covering their mouths.
Cucurella didn’t seem to be acting in a confrontational manner, yet Messi immediately appealed to referee Slavko Vincic and tried to get the Spanish defender dismissed. The official waved away the appeal, and Cucurella completed the match.
With Argentina reduced to ten men and struggling to muster a shot, Messi was keen to do whatever he could to assist his country. The action drew criticism, and Messi will now take a break following an emotional summer before returning to MLS.
This article first appeared on Mirror US.
