De Paul rests, misses Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire

Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi are missing Inter Miami's MLS match against Chicago Fire FC due to workload management after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Inter Miami listed both players as unavailable for reasons unrelated to injury, following FIFA and FIFPRO player welfare recommendations.

FIFA and FIFPRO recommend a 21-day offseason recovery period after a player's season ends, to be managed individually by each club.

Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, and Inter Miami is easing De Paul and Messi back after demanding international campaigns.

Head coach Guillermo Hoyos stated the players' priority is rest and family time, and they will be absent for however long it takes.