Major League Soccer has revealed the full roster for the upcoming All-Star Game, which will feature a clash between the league’s finest and the best from Liga MX. The announcement confirms that several top talents have been added to an already formidable lineup chosen through fan voting. Lionel Messi headlines the selection, with new inclusions such as Sam Surridge, Evander, Tim Ream, and Anders Dreyer strengthening the squad further.

Enhancing an already powerful lineup

The fan vote had already produced an impressive team, but the additional choices have made it even stronger. Head coach Dean Smith, who will lead the All-Star side, has included two players from his own Charlotte FC team. He has also selected FC Cincinnati’s Evander, San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer, Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge, and FC Dallas’ Petar Musa to round out the squad.

Nashville SC lead all clubs with four representatives, a reflection of their strong start to the season with a 10-1-3 record. They currently top the Supporters’ Shield standings with three months remaining in the regular campaign.

The complete roster

The full lineup is as follows:

DEFENDERS: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; Coach’s Selection), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids; Coach’s Selection), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC; Commissioner’s Pick), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC; Voted In), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC; Voted In), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew; Coach’s Selection), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes; Coach’s Selection), Andy Najar (Nashville SC; Voted In), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC; Coach’s Selection), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; Voted In)

MIDFIELDERS: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Voted In), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC; Coach’s Selection), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami CF; Coach’s Selection), Evander (FC Cincinnati; Coach’s Selection), Carles Gil (New England Revolution; Coach’s Selection), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake; Voted In), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC; Voted In), Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Coach’s Selection), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC; Coach’s Selection)

FORWARDS: Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC; Voted In), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC; Coach’s Selection), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York; Commissioner’s Pick), Son Heung-Min (LAFC; Voted In), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF; Voted In), Petar Musa (FC Dallas; Coach’s Selection), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC; Coach’s Selection)

Will Messi take the field?

Messi has earned MLS All-Star honours three times but has yet to actually appear in the showcase match. In 2025, both he and former Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were voted in by fans but did not participate. The pair were handed one-match suspensions for failing to appear. Messi also missed the 2024 edition due to an ankle injury.

This year, his involvement is again uncertain. Argentina are currently competing in the World Cup quarterfinals and could remain in action until July 19 if they reach the final. Inter Miami next face Chicago Fire on July 22, which could affect Messi’s availability for the All-Star Game.

An iconic encounter ahead

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is set for July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The preceding week will feature traditional events such as the Skills Challenge and Goalie Wars. MLS triumphed 3-1 in last year’s contest.

This year’s edition marks the 30th anniversary of the All-Star Game, celebrating three decades of showcasing the league’s brightest stars.