Published • loading... • Updated
Messi Among First 11 Named to MLS All-Star Squad
Messi and Son Heung-Min headline the first 11 selections, and five players are set to represent their countries at the World Cup.
- On Friday, Major League Soccer announced its 2026 All-Star First XI, headlined by Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi and LAFC forward Son Heung-Min for the July 29 match at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium.
- Fans, players, and media members voted on the initial starting lineup, which Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith will lead through the regular season selection process. The final 26-man roster will include 13 picks from Smith and two from MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
- Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi received the most fan votes, while 19-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder Zavier Gozo anchors the squad as its youngest starter. Five of the 11 starters hold previous All-Star experience.
- Five starters, including Messi, Son, and Ream, will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. MLS mandates that selected players participate in the All-Star showcase or face suspension for their club's next match.
- The MLS All-Stars won 3-1 in Austin last season, marking the fifth time in six seasons the league has faced Liga MX competition. The MLS remains on hiatus until after the World Cup concludes.
Insights by Ground AI
21 Articles
21 Articles
Son Heung-min Selected for MLS All-Star 'First 11'... Second Korean Player to Be Selected LA FC's Son Heung-min has been named to the 'First 11' for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. The MLS announced the 'First 11' roster on the 5th (local time), selected based on a combined vote from fans, players, and the media. First 11
Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi is leading the list of players selected on Friday for the All-Stars team of MLS, which will be competing next month for a demonstration match against the best players in the MX League in Mexico.
Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte
·Washington, United States
Read Full Article
·New York, United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 33%
R 17%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
