Lionel Messi named to third straight MLS All-Star Game roster. Will he play?

Lionel Messi was one of 29 players named to the MLS All-Star team on Wednesday. The Inter Miami star leads the league with 20 goal contributions and is tied for second with 12 goals in 14 games. Messi, currently with Argentina as they prepare for a World Cup quarterfinal match against Switzerland, was one of 11 players voted on to the roster. Sixteen others, including Messi’s international and club teammate Rodrigo De Paul, were selected by MLS All-Star head coach Dean Smith. Toronto FC's Richie Laryea and Red Bull New York's Julian Hall were added as Commissioner's selections. Since joining MLS, Messi has not taken part in an All-Star Game after injuring his ankle during Copa América in 2024 and then using the time off to rest instead of playing in last season’s game. Last year’s absence resulted in Messi and then-Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba earning a one-game suspension as per league rules. "It's a bad rule, but it's a rule nonetheless," Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Más said at the time . Messi’s inclusion brings up the question of would he be punished again considering how far Argentina has advanced at the World Cup. La Albiceleste faces Switzerland on Saturday in Kansas City. Should they win, their semifinal matchup would be July 15 in Atlanta. The final takes place July 19 in New Jersey. Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates a goal during a Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season football match between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC at NU Stadium in Miami, on May 2, 2026. (Photo by Giorgio Viera / AFP via Getty Images) GIORGIO VIERA via Getty Images Even if Argentina gets knocked out in the quarterfinals, Messi and De Paul would certainly like to get rest before returning to their club. (MLS resumes its season on July 16 with Inter Miami’s first match back scheduled for July 22.) The league has not commented about the participation rule in regards to the status of Messi and other All-Stars who took part in the World Cup like Son Heung-Min, Tim Ream and Matt Freese, among others. 2026 MLS All-Star roster Goalkeepers Maxime Crépeau - Orlando City | Coach's Selection Matt Freese - New York City FC | Coach's Selection Brian Schwake - Nashville SC | Voted In 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 The MLS All-Star team will face a LIGA MX best XI for the third straight season and fifth time in the past six years. The match will take place on July 29 in Charlotte.