Messi Selected to 2026 MLS All-Star Roster

Messi Leads the Way onto All-Star List

Lionel Messi earned a spot on the 2026 MLS All‑Star roster, joining 28 other players to form a 29‑man squad. He tops the league with 20 goal contributions and is tied for second in goals with 12 scored in just 14 matches for Inter Miami. Messi, who currently is with Argentina for their World Cup quarter‑final against Switzerland, was one of 11 players voted onto the list by fan ballots. The remaining 16 selections, including teammate Rodrigo De Paul, were made by head coach Dean Smith.

Inter Miami also received two Commissioner’s picks: Toronto FC defender Richie Laryea and Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall. These additions bring the total roster to the full complement of forwards, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers listed below.

World Cup Timing and Potential Penalties

Messi’s participation raises questions about whether he could face another suspension, as league rules penalised him and Jordi Alba for missing last year’s All‑Star Game. Jorge Más, Inter Miami’s co‑owner, called the rule “a bad rule, but it’s a rule nonetheless” after that incident. Argentina’s progress in Kansas City could keep the drama alive; a win would set up a semifinal in Atlanta on July 15, with the final slated for July 19 in New Jersey. Even if Argentina exits early, Messi and De Paul would likely want rest before MLS resumes on July 16, with Inter Miami scheduled to play on July 22.

Full 2026 MLS All‑Star Roster

• Goalkeepers
  Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City) – Coach’s Selection
  Matt Freese (New York City FC) – Coach’s Selection
  Brian Schwake (Nashville SC) – Voted In
• Defenders
  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
  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 Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) – Coach’s Selection
  Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC) – Coach’s Selection
• Forwards
  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

All‑Star vs LIGA MX and Next Steps

The MLS All‑Stars will face a LIGA MX best XI on July 29 in Charlotte, marking the third straight season and fifth time in six years the two leagues have clashed. The league has not commented on how the recent World Cup schedule will affect the participation rule for other star players such as Son Heung‑Min, Tim Ream, and Matt Freese, who also have international duties. With the World Cup still in motion, the All‑Star Game will serve as a key rest period for top talent before the MLS season resumes.

The image below shows Messi celebrating a goal earlier this season.