Lionel Messi, Tim Ream, Seb Berhalter headline MLS All-Star Game roster

Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar and Inter Miami CF player, headlines the 29-man roster for the MLS All-Star Game, which was announced on July 8, 2026. Alongside Messi, US internationals Matt Freese, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, and Sebastian Berhalter also received call-ups.

Match Details

The highly anticipated match will feature a showdown against All-Stars from Liga MX on July 29 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This edition marks the fifth encounter between the two leagues, with MLS enjoying a strong record of three wins in the previous four meetings.

Player Representation

A notable aspect of the roster is the inclusion of 13 players who participated in recent World Cup matches. The diverse lineup features players from 15 different nationalities, with the United States boasting the largest representation of 10 players. Tim Ream, making a comeback to the All-Star game after 15 years since his first selection in 2011, adds depth to the defensive lineup, which includes ten defenders in total.

Nashville SC stands out among MLS clubs, contributing four players to the roster: Hany Mukhtar, Andy Nájar, Brian Schwake, and Sam Surridge. This year’s participants bring excitement as fans look forward to an engaging matchup showcasing top-tier talent ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

2026 MLS All-Star Game roster:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City SC; Coach’s Selection), Matt Freese (New York City FC; Coach’s Selection), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC; Voted In)

DEFENDERS (10): 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 Nájar (Nashville SC; Voted In), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC; Coach’s Selection), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; Voted In)

MIDFIELDERS (9): 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 (7): 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), Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF; Voted In), Petar Musa (FC Dallas; Coach’s Selection), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC; Coach’s Selection)