Inter Miami CF forward Leo Messi earned a spot on the 2026 MLS All-Star Game First XI, joining 10 other players selected through a combined vote of fans, players and media members to face a squad of LIGA MX All-Stars on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Nashville SC, atop the Supporters’ Shield standings and on a record pace in 2026, led all clubs with three First XI selections: goalkeeper Brian Schwake, right back Andy Najar and attacking midfielder Hany Mukhtar. Chicago Fire FC placed two players on the roster — center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi and forward Hugo Cuypers.
Five of the 11 players will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer: Messi with Argentina, LAFC forward Son Heung-Min with South Korea, Mbokazi with South Africa, and both Vancouver Whitecaps FC defensive midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and Charlotte FC center back Tim Ream with the United States.
Mbokazi led all players in fan votes and is the second South African player selected to an MLS All-Star Game roster in league history, following Doctor Khumalo in 1996. Son is the second South Korean player named an All-Star, joining his current national team head coach and former LA Galaxy defender Hong Myung-Bo, who was selected in 2003.
Real Salt Lake attacking midfielder Zavier Gozo, at 19 years old, is the second teenager selected to an MLS All-Star Game in the last five editions, joining Obed Vargas in 2025. Minnesota United FC left back Anthony Markanich rounds out the First XI. Five of the 11 players have previously been named MLS All-Stars: Berhalter in 2025, Messi in 2024-25, Mukhtar from 2022-25, Najar in 2025 and Ream in 2011.
The remaining 15 spots on the 26-player roster will be filled by 13 selections from MLS All-Star head coach Dean Smith of host club Charlotte FC and two picks from MLS Commissioner Don Garber. The full roster is expected to be announced at a later date ahead of the July 29 match, which will air on Apple TV at 8 p.m. ET.