Lionel Messi leads the 2026 MLS All-Star roster

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi heads the list of MLS All-Stars named Friday for next month’s show against the top stars of Mexico’s Liga MX.

The two-time league MVP and reigning MLS Cup champion will headline the 2026 MLS All-Star ⁠First XI selected to play in the July 29 match at Charlotte’s Bank of ‌America ⁠Stadium.

Nashville SC has three players on the roster, and the Chicago Fire have two. They were chosen through a combined vote of MLS fans, players and media members based on the first part of the MLS season, which is now on hiatus until after the FIFA World Cup.

Messi, now a three-time MLS All-Star, is one of three attackers in the squad, along with Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire) and Son Heung-Min (LAFC).

The midfielders are Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake) and Hany Mukhtar (Nashville).

Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Tim Ream (Charlotte) ‌and Andy Najar (Nashville) are the defensemen, and Brian Schwake (Nashville) is the goaltender.

To complete the 26-man roster for the All-Star Game, the remaining rosters will consist of 13 players chosen by head coach Dean Smith of the host club, Charlotte, and two players chosen by MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Published on June 5, 2026