Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially announced the full roster of players who will compete in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime, an event that will bring together several of international soccer’s biggest stars to one field.
Led by Lionel Messi, the MLS All-Star team will once again face a selection of Liga MX stars on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC, in a matchup that promises to be a spectacle both on and off the field.
Lionel Messi leads a star-studded team
As expected, the name that stands out most on the roster is Lionel Messi, who has once again been chosen by fans to represent Inter Miami in a new edition of the All-Star Game.
The world champion will be joined by world-class players such as Son Heung-min, Thomas Müller, Rodrigo De Paul, Hany Mukhtar, Carles Gil, Petar Musa, and Evander, forming one of the most competitive rosters in the event’s recent history.
The roster also reflects the high level of play demonstrated by several players during the MLS regular season and by those who shone at the World Cup.
World Cup players head to the All-Star Game
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the presence of 13 players who participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, representing eight national teams.
Among them are:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Matt Freese (United States)
- Steven Moreira (Cape Verde)
- Petar Musa (Croatia)
- Sebastian Berhalter (United States)
- Richie Laryea (Canada)
MLS highlighted that this generation of players has earned a spot on the All-Star team after proving their quality in the world’s most important soccer tournament.
Nashville SC leads the roster
The club with the most representatives at the All-Star Game will be Nashville SC, which will have four players:
- Hany Mukhtar
- Andy Najar
- Brian Schwake
- Sam Surridge
This recognition comes as a reward for the team’s extraordinary start to the season; they currently lead the Supporters’ Shield standings thanks to a historic campaign.
Charlotte FC makes history as host
As the event’s host, Charlotte FC will also play a leading role. For the first time since joining MLS, the club will have players selected to compete in the All-Star Game.
The representatives will be:
- Tim Ream
- Pep Biel
- Ashley Westwood
The presence of veteran American defender Tim Ream also marks a historic milestone, as he returns to the All-Star Game 15 years after his first selection, tying the record previously set by Tim Howard.
Julian Hall and the rising stars of MLS
The 2026 edition will also serve to showcase the new generation of talent.
One of the names generating the most buzz is Julian Hall, an 18-year-old forward for the New York Red Bulls, who was selected directly by Commissioner Don Garber.
The young forward has already made history this season by becoming the youngest player to score a hat trick in MLS and has 13 goal contributions to his credit, establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects in American soccer.
Another standout is Zavier Gozo, a midfielder for Real Salt Lake, who became the first player in history to be named both an MLS NEXT All-Star and an MLS All-Star, reflecting the success of youth development within the league.
A globally diverse team
Diversity is once again one of the All-Star Game’s defining features. The roster features players from 15 countries and six continents, confirming the international growth MLS has experienced in recent years.
Among the countries with the most players selected are:
- United States (10)
- Argentina (2)
- Canada (2)
- Germany (2)
- Spain (2)
- England (2)
This mix of international talent will be one of the main attractions of the matchup against the Liga MX stars.
A jersey with history
MLS also unveiled the new jersey that its stars will wear during the game.
The uniform commemorates the 30th anniversary of the MLS All-Star Game, featuring blue and green accents that pay homage to the league’s original colors.
In addition, the main sponsor will be Chime, MLS’s official financial services partner, whose involvement represents one of the company’s most significant commercial investments in professional soccer.
All set for a new chapter between MLS and Liga MX
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will once again pit two of the continent’s top leagues against each other in a match that grows in significance every year.
With Lionel Messi as the star attraction, joined by players such as Son Heung-min, Thomas Müller, Rodrigo De Paul, and several key players from the 2026 World Cup, MLS will seek to showcase its quality against a Liga MX team that will also field its best players.
The match will take place on July 29 in Charlotte and promises to be one of the most anticipated events of the summer in North America.
