Messi Headlines MLS All-Star First XI

Lionel Messi has been named among the standout players selected for the MLS All-Star Game, leading a star-studded squad set to face the best talent from Mexico’s Liga MX next month.

The MLS All-Star Game First XI was unveiled on Friday, with the Inter Miami forward headlining the team for the July 29 showcase at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Messi, a two-time league MVP and reigning MLS Cup champion, earns his third All-Star selection since joining Major League Soccer.

The Argentine captain is one of three forwards chosen for the starting line-up. He is joined by Hugo Cuypers of the Chicago Fire and Son Heung-Min of LAFC, creating one of the competition’s most exciting attacking trios.

In midfield, the selected players are Sebastian Berhalter of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake, and Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC. The defensive unit features Anthony Markanich of Minnesota United, Mbekezeli Mbokazi from the Chicago Fire, Tim Ream of Charlotte FC, and Andy Najar from Nashville SC. Brian Schwake, also representing Nashville, was chosen as goalkeeper.

Nashville SC had the strongest representation in the First XI with three players selected, while Chicago Fire secured two places in the squad. Voters chose the players through a combined ballot involving MLS supporters, current players and media representatives based on performances during the first half of the season.

The MLS All-Star Game roster is not yet complete. Charlotte head coach Dean Smith will select 13 additional players, while MLS Commissioner Don Garber will add two more names to finalise the 26-man squad.

With Lionel Messi once again leading the way, anticipation is already building for this year’s MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX’s biggest stars.

Do you think Lionel Messi will be the most influential player in this year’s MLS All-Star Game?