Major League Soccer revealed its All-Star Game roster on Wednesday, announcing that 13 players who took part in this year’s World Cup — representing eight nations — will participate in the showcase event. American goalkeeper Matt Freese and Croatian forward Petar Musa were among the newest additions, joining the already-selected Argentina icon Lionel Messi.
The United States leads all countries with four World Cup players on the roster. They are joined by athletes from fellow co-host nations Canada and Argentina, as well as South Africa, Australia, South Korea, Croatia, and first-time World Cup participants Cape Verde.
New York City FC’s Freese was named to the squad alongside fellow American and Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten. Two of their U.S. teammates — Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter — had already been chosen when the first 11 All-Star selections were announced last month.
Toronto FC defender Richie Laryea and Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, both of whom played a role in Canada’s memorable World Cup run, were also added to the roster.
Columbus defender Steven Moreira, who represents Cape Verde, earned his spot as well. Cape Verde captured widespread attention at the tournament after drawing with former champions Spain and Uruguay in group play before ultimately being eliminated by Argentina.
Additional World Cup veterans named Wednesday include Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Herrington of Australia, Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina, and Croatia’s Musa, who has been on fire for FC Dallas this season with 12 goals in just 13 regular-season appearances.
Messi had been part of the initial round of selections, as had South Korean star Son Heung-Min of LAFC and Chicago Fire center-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, considered one of South Africa’s standout performers at the World Cup.
Rounding out the All-Star roster are top MLS performers Thomas Mueller, Evander, and Sam Surridge. Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Mueller, who lifted the World Cup trophy with Germany back in 2014, has contributed four goals and four assists through 12 regular-season matches this year. FC Cincinnati’s Evander and Nashville SC forward Surridge have each found the back of the net nine times this season.
The MLS All-Stars are set to take on the best from Mexico’s top flight, LIGA MX, on July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This year’s World Cup marked a record-setting moment for MLS, with 45 players from 22 clubs and 17 countries representing the league on the global stage.
