Lionel Messi leads MLS All-Star roster for 2026 Charlotte showdown against Liga MX

Lionel Messi MLS All-Star Game Charlotte Liga MX World Cup

Major League Soccer announced a 29‑player roster for the 2026 MLS All‑Star Game, set for July 29 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The squad, selected through fan votes, coach Dean Smith’s picks and commissioner selections, is headed by Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who was chosen by popular vote. Other high‑profile internationals include Son Heung‑Min (LAFC), Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) and a host of World Cup players from eight nations.

The MLS All‑Stars will face a best‑XI from Mexico’s Liga MX in what the league calls one of its marquee summer events. Charlotte FC, the host club, contributes three players, while Nashville SC provides the most representatives. Messi’s participation remains uncertain because of his involvement in the 2026 World Cup, which could conflict with the July 29 match.

The announcement underscores the league’s growing international profile, highlighted by the presence of multiple World Cup veterans and the inclusion of stars from Europe, Asia and South America.

Sources

Revelan lista de convocados de la MLS para el All-Star Game 2026 - El Sureste [www.elsureste.com.mx]

23 days ago

Lionel Messi Named To 2026 MLS All-Star Roster But World Cup Participation Casts Doubt Over Appearance [goonerdaily.com]

23 days ago

Em meio à disputa da Copa, Messi é chamado para o Jogo das Estrelas da MLS | CNN Brasil [www.cnnbrasil.com.br]

24 days ago

MLS All-Star: Messi viene a Charlotte para enfrentar a las figuras de la Liga MX [quepasamedia.com]

23 days ago

Messi, Müller y Son encabezan equipo de MLS que enfrentará a la Liga MX en All-Star Game [www.foxsports.com.mx]

23 days ago

Soccer-Thirteen World Cup players headline MLS All-Star Game roster [wsau.com]

24 days ago