Lionel Messi removed from 2026 MLS All-Star Game roster
Lionel Messi will not participate in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking his third consecutive season missing the event. The 39-year-old forward, along with teammate Rodrigo De Paul, has been excused from the roster due to recovery needs following Argentina‘s participation in the World Cup final. The MLS and the MLS Players Association had agreed prior to the 2026 season that players exiting the World Cup would have individual discussions with their clubs to determine appropriate rest and return timelines.
This agreement means Messi and De Paul will not face any penalties for their absence from the All-Star Game, which is scheduled for Wednesday against the Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte. In contrast, Messi and teammate Jordi Alba received one-match suspensions in 2025 for missing the All-Star Game without a documented injury or prior approval. Messi also missed the 2024 event due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final.
Roster Changes and Replacements
Four roster replacements were announced following the withdrawals of Messi, De Paul, Hugo Cuypers, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Cuypers was sold by Chicago Fire to Liga MX club CF Monterrey, while Mbokazi is recovering from a lower body injury. Sebastian Berhalter of Vancouver Whitecaps is also expected to be unavailable due to a potential transfer to English Championship side Middlesbrough.
The replacements include Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright, who has two assists in 12 games this season and signed a contract extension through 2028 with an option for an additional season. Bright was a top pick from the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and has filled the midfield role since Sergio Busquets‘ retirement after the 2025 season.
Another addition is Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Andrés Cubas, who played a significant role in Paraguay‘s run to the World Cup round of 16, including a victory over Germany in the round of 32. Cubas led all players in defensive contributions at the tournament with 52, surpassing England‘s Elliot Anderson (47) and Spain‘s Rodri (42).
Chicago Fire forward Philip Zinckernagel, with five goals and seven assists in 15 matches this season, has also been named to the squad as a replacement for Cuypers. Additionally, Houston Dynamo FC forward Guilherme, a contender for the 2026 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award, joins the All-Star roster.
Final 2026 MLS All-Star Game Roster
The updated roster for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game features players from various clubs:
- Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
- Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
- Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami CF), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC)
- Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo FC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire)
Messi’s absence means he has been selected for three consecutive MLS All-Star Games without making an appearance, with his 2026 withdrawal attributed to World Cup recovery.
Luis Suarez, Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami, scored twice in a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire, with Messi unavailable after the World Cup final. Suarez emphasized the importance of Messi and De Paul resting after their national team duties, stating that the collective effort of the team is crucial for the rest of the season. Messi, who turned 39 during the World Cup, scored eight goals and provided four assists during Argentina’s campaign.
Suarez, also 39, praised Messi’s ambition and dedication, noting that his performance at the World Cup served as an example for others in football. The MLS action resumed on Wednesday, with Antoine Griezmann scoring on his debut for Orlando City and Robert Lewandowski making his first start for Chicago.
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Source: si.com
