Lionel Messi leads 29-man MLS All-Star Game roster
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi leads a group of 29 players named to represent MLS in the 2026 All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars.
The game is scheduled for July 29 at 8 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
Messi, 39, is one of seven forwards on the roster and one of 11 players selected in voting results announced June 5. The two-time league MVP and reigning MLS Cup champion has a league-high 20 goal contributions (12 goals, eight assists) in 14 games this season.
The roster also includes 16 players selected by head coach Dean Smith of the host club, Charlotte FC, and two players -- 18-year-old New York Red Bulls forward Julian Hall and Toronto FC defender Richie Laryea -- who were chosen by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The group includes Golden Boot leader Hugo Cuypers of the Chicago Fire (13 goals), South Korean star Son-Heung Min of Los Angeles FC and U.S. men’s national team members Sebastian Berhalter of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Max Arfsten of the Columbus Crew and goalkeeper Matt Freese of New York City FC.
2026 MLS All-Star Game roster:
GOALKEEPERS (3)
Maxime Crepeau - Orlando City, Coach’s Selection
Matt Freese - New York City FC, Coach’s Selection
Brian Schwake - Nashville SC, Voted In
DEFENDERS (10)
Max Arfsten - Columbus Crew, Coach’s Selection
Lucas Herrington - Colorado Rapids, Coach’s Selection
Richie Laryea - Toronto FC, Commissioner’s Pick
Anthony Markanich - Minnesota United FC, Voted In
Mbekezeli Mbokazi - Chicago Fire FC, Voted In
Steven Moreira - Columbus Crew, Coach’s Selection
Daniel Munie - San Jose Earthquakes, Coach’s Selection
Andy Najar - Nashville SC, Voted In
Jackson Ragen - Seattle Sounders FC, Coach’s Selection
Tim Ream - Charlotte FC, Voted In
MIDFIELDERS (9)
Sebastian Berhalter - Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Voted In
Pep Biel - Charlotte FC, Coach’s Selection
Rodrigo De Paul - Inter Miami CF, Coach’s Selection
Evander - FC Cincinnati, Coach’s Selection
Carles Gil - New England Revolution, Coach’s Selection
Zavier Gozo - Real Salt Lake, Voted In
Hany Mukhtar - Nashville SC, Voted In
Thomas Muller - Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Coach’s Selection
Ashley Westwood - Charlotte FC, Coach’s Selection
FORWARDS (7)
Hugo Cuypers - Chicago Fire FC, Voted In
Anders Dreyer - San Diego FC, Coach’s Selection
Julian Hall - Red Bull New York, Commissioner’s Pick
Son Heung-Min - LAFC, Voted In
Lionel Messi - Inter Miami CF, Voted In
Petar Musa - FC Dallas, Coach’s Selection
Sam Surridge - Nashville SC, Coach’s Selection
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