Messi Leads MLS All-Star Selections

By Eppe Franklyne| 

Lionel Messi has headlined the list of players selected for the MLS All-Star Game, where Major League Soccer’s top performers will face the best stars from Mexico’s Liga MX next month.

The Inter Miami forward, a two-time league MVP and reigning MLS Cup champion, was named in the 2026 MLS All-Star First XI for the July 29 showdown at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The selection marks Messi’s third appearance in the annual showcase.

The MLS All-Star Game squad was chosen through a combined vote involving fans, players and media members, based on performances during the first half of the MLS season before the league paused for the FIFA World Cup.

Messi is joined in attack by Hugo Cuypers of the Chicago Fire and Son Heung-Min of LAFC. The midfield trio includes Sebastian Berhalter of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake, and Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC.

In defence, the First XI features Anthony Markanich of Minnesota United, Mbekezeli Mbokazi of the Chicago Fire, Tim Ream of Charlotte FC, and Andy Najar from Nashville SC. Brian Schwake, also representing Nashville SC, was selected as the team’s goalkeeper.

Nashville SC had the strongest representation among clubs with three players included in the squad, while the Chicago Fire contributed two players.

The final MLS All-Star Game roster will consist of 26 players. An additional 13 selections will be made by Dean Smith, head coach of host club Charlotte FC, while MLS Commissioner Don Garber will add two more players to complete the squad.

The annual contest is expected to bring together some of the biggest names in North American football as MLS and Liga MX renew their growing rivalry on one of the sport’s biggest stages.