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Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have been granted a mandatory recovery break after their demanding World Cup journey with Argentina. The Inter Miami stars are set to miss upcoming league fixtures and the MLS All-Star Game to allow for essential recuperation following their efforts on football’s biggest stage.

Herons sanction crucial recovery period

As reported by ESPN, Argentina captain Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami colleague Rodrigo De Paul will commence a rest period after their exhausting run to the World Cup final held in the United States. Messi featured for the entire 120 minutes in Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain, finishing the tournament with an impressive eight goals and four assists. The report confirms that the forward will not take part in this week’s MLS matches against Chicago Fire and CF Montreal, nor the MLS All-Star Game scheduled for July 29.

FIFA enforces recovery policy

This rest period comes following pressure from the global players' union FIFPRO, which instituted a 21-day post-season break to help reduce injury risks. The measure was approved by FIFA after a special summit in 2025.

On player welfare and the international match calendar, FIFA stated: “FIFA and the player unions reviewed future joint projects involving the world’s football governing body and representative organisations of players, focusing especially on rest and recovery, and competitions related to the International Match Calendar (IMC).

“There is agreement that players must have at least 72 hours of rest between games and a minimum 21-day rest or holiday period at the end of each season. This timeframe should be managed individually by each club and its players, depending on their match schedules and applicable collective agreements.”

Captain reflects on emotional journey

Despite Argentina’s inability to defend their world title, Messi made history by becoming the first player to start in three separate World Cup finals. Sharing his sentiments in an emotional post-tournament message, the Argentine icon said: “The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal. But I also value all the positives.

“The matches we overturned through sheer determination will remain in our memories forever, as will the support of an entire nation that, along with the hard work and dedication of this group, once again placed us among the best in the world.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every greeting and message. Once again, we became united as a country, sharing the immense pride of being Argentine. I also want to congratulate Spain on their championship.”

Miami adjust to star absences

Although the exact duration of the recommended three-week break is still under discussion with the club, the decision ensures that both Messi and De Paul will miss two league fixtures as well as the MLS All-Star clash against Liga MX. This development compels Inter Miami to adapt swiftly without two of their key figures during a pivotal stage of the season. The Herons currently occupy second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing leaders Nashville by five points. Nonetheless, the extended recovery period is expected to help restore their talismanic playmaker to full fitness ahead of the decisive phase of the 2026 campaign.