​Lionel Messi was among 29 players named to the MLS All-Star team announced on Wednesday. The Inter Miami forward sits atop the league with 20 goal contributions and is tied for second with 12 goals across 14 appearances. At the time of the announcement, Messi was with Argentina as they prepared for a World Cup quarterfinal clash against Switzerland, and he earned one of 11 roster selections through voting by MLS All-Star head coach Dean Smith. The remaining 16 players, including Messi’s international and club teammate Rodrigo De Paul, were chosen by Smith. Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea and Red Bull New York’s Julian Hall were added as Commissioner’s selections.
Since entering MLS, Messi has not participated in an All-Star Game after injuring his ankle during the 2024 Copa América and opting to rest rather than play in the previous season’s game. That absence last year led to a one-game suspension for Messi and then-teammate Jordi Alba under league rules. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Más commented at the time that the rule was poor, though still in effect.
Messi’s inclusion raises the question of whether he would face another suspension given Argentina’s progress at the World Cup. La Albiceleste faced Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City; a victory would set up a semifinal on July 15 in Atlanta, while the final is scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey. Messi, the Argentine forward wearing jersey number 10 for Inter Miami, celebrated a goal in a recent MLS match between Inter Miami and Orlando City at NU Stadium in Miami, captured by Giorgio Viera for AFP/Getty Images.
Even if Argentina is eliminated in the quarterfinals, Messi and De Paul would likely want rest before returning to club duty, as MLS resumes on July 16 with Inter Miami’s first game back set for July 22. The league has not released an official statement about how the participation rule should apply to Messi and other All-Stars who played in the World Cup, such as Son Heung-min, Tim Ream, Matt Freese, and others.
Among the All-Star selections, Maxime Crépeau of Orlando City, and Matt Freese of New York City FC were noted as coaches’ selections. Other notable inclusions include Brian Schwake of Nashville SC (voted in), Max Arfsten of Columbus Crew (coach’s selection), Lucas Herrington of Colorado Rapids (coach’s selection), and Richie Laryea of Toronto FC (Commissioner’s pick). Anthony Markanich of Minnesota United FC (voted in) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire FC (voted in) were also named, along with Steven Moreira of Columbus Crew (coach’s selection), Daniel Munie of San Jose Earthquakes (coach’s selection), Andy Najar of Nashville SC (voted in), Jackson Ragen of Seattle Sounders FC (coach’s selection), Tim Ream of Charlotte FC (voted in), Sebastian Berhalter of Vancouver Whitecaps FC (voted in), Pep Biel of Charlotte FC (coach’s selection), and Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami CF (coach’s selection) to round out the list. Evander of FC Cincinnati, Carles Gil of New England, and several other players were also highlighted in the roster announcement, illustrating a diverse field of talent across MLS for the season’s All-Star showcase.