Lionel Messi has been named in the first 11 selected for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. The announcement was made on Friday.
Messi plays for Inter Miami CF. He remains one of the biggest stars in Major League Soccer.
The MLS All-Star Game will be played on July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match will feature MLS players against a team from Mexico’s top league.
The first 11 players were selected through a combined vote. Fans, players, and media took part in the selection process.
The lineup includes several international stars. It also features players competing at the highest level in MLS.
Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC has also been selected. He is one of the key attacking names in the squad.
Several players with FIFA World Cup 2026 experience are part of the list. These include Tim Ream of Charlotte FC, Sebastian Berhalter of Vancouver Whitecaps, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire.
Goalkeeper Brian Schwake of Nashville SC is also included. Defensive players Anthony Markanich of Minnesota United and Andy Najar of Nashville SC have been selected.
In midfield, Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC and Zavier Gozo of Real Salt Lake have been named. Hugo Cuypers of Chicago Fire is included in the attacking options.
Mbokazi’s selection is a milestone. He becomes only the second South African player to be named in an MLS All-Star squad.
Son Heung-min also makes history. He is only the second South Korean player to receive this honour.
The remaining squad will be completed later. Coach Dean Smith will select 13 additional players.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber will also pick two final players. These selections will complete the full All-Star roster.
The final squad will bring together global stars and emerging talents for the showcase match.
