Lionel Messi, Four USMNT Players Named To MLS All-Star Roster

MLS announced its full 29-man All-Star Game roster Wednesday, featuring Lionel Messi alongside United States internationals Matt Freese, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter. The match against Liga MX's All-Stars is scheduled for July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The roster includes 13 players who competed at this summer's World Cup. Messi was among 11 players previously announced as All-Star selections back in June. Players from 15 different countries make up this year's roster. The United States leads all nations with 10 total representatives. Ream will return to the All-Star Game for the first time since his initial selection in 2011, marking a 15-year gap between appearances. Nashville SC leads all MLS clubs with four selections, including Hany Mukhtar, Andy Najar, Brian Schwake and Sam Surridge. This year's matchup marks the fifth meeting between MLS and Liga MX All-Stars. MLS has won three of the previous four contests. 2026 MLS All-Star Game Roster Goalkeepers (3): Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City SC), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC) Defenders (10): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC) Midfielders (9): Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami CF), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC) Forwards (7): Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC)