The Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi has been selected to spearhead the MLS All-Star roster announced Friday for the upcoming exhibition against Liga MX’s elite players.
The two-time league MVP and current MLS Cup champion tops the 2026 MLS All-Star First XI chosen for the July 29 match at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Nashville SC contributes three players to the team, while the Chicago Fire adds two representatives. The selections came through voting by MLS supporters, players and media based on first-half season performance, with the league currently paused for the FIFA World Cup.
Messi, earning his third MLS All-Star selection, joins the forward line with Hugo Cuypers from Chicago Fire and Son Heung-Min from LAFC.
The midfield features Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps, Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake and Hany Mukhtar from Nashville.
The defensive unit includes Anthony Markanich from Minnesota United, Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Chicago Fire, Tim Ream from Charlotte and Andy Najar from Nashville, with Brian Schwake from Nashville serving as goalkeeper.
The complete 26-player All-Star Game roster will be filled out with 13 additional players selected by Charlotte head coach Dean Smith and two more chosen by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
