Today, July 29, 2026, marks the 2026 MLS All-Star game, with some of the best players in the MLS teaming together to face the Liga MX All-Star team.
For the 2026 MLS All-Star team, star players like Son Heung-Min and Thomas Müller will be a part of the squad and are expected to start the game.
Both Son and Müller were part of the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge last night in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photo by David Jensen/MLS via Getty Images
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi was announced as part of the 2026 MLS All-Star team a few months back, but the Argentine star will not play tonight.
Why is Lionel Messi Not Playing for the MLS All-Stars Tonight
Messi was replaced by his Inter Miami teammate Yannick Bright. Messi will miss the match tonight after he recently played in the 2026 World Cup Final for Argentina, which was less than two weeks ago.
Messi is not injured, but he was on vacation in Argentina following the 2026 World Cup Final. The Argentine star is back in Miami at the Inter Miami facilities to return to team training and return to action in the MLS and in the 2026 Leagues Cup, which will be played in August.
The Inter Miami star will not be punished for missing the 2026 MLS All-Star Game like last year because this year he was officially excused and withdrew from participating.
Official Lineups for MLS All-Star and Liga MX All-Star
MLS All-Star Team
- Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
- Defenders: Anthony Markanich, Tim Ream, Herrington, Steven Moreira
- Midfielders: Yannick Bright, Carles Gil, Hany Mukhtar
- Forwards: Son Heung-min, Julian Hall, Philip Zinckernagel
Liga MX All-Star Team
- Goalkeeper: Carlos Acevedo
- Defenders: Jesus Gallardo, Federico Pereira, Willer Ditta, Omar Campos
- Midfielders: Erik Lira, Jose Paradela, Juan Brunetta
- Forwards: Robert Morales, Salomon Rondon, Kevin Castañeda
