Lionel Messi has been named to the MLS All-Star Game roster for the third consecutive year, though serious questions remain over whether he will actually feature in the match.

The Inter Miami forward leads the entire league with 20 goal contributions this season and is tied for second with 12 goals in just 14 games.

Messi was one of 11 players voted onto the 29-man roster by fans, with MLS All-Star head coach Dean Smith selecting a further 16 players directly.

Inter Miami club and international teammate Rodrigo De Paul was among those chosen by Smith, while Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea and Red Bull New York’s Julian Hall earned commissioner’s selections.

The major complication surrounding Messi’s potential participation is his ongoing involvement in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

La Albiceleste face Switzerland in a quarterfinal on Saturday in Kansas City, and should they advance, a semifinal would follow on July 15 in Atlanta before a potential final on July 19 in New Jersey.

The MLS All-Star match against a LIGA MX best XI is scheduled for July 29 in Charlotte, meaning Messi could feasibly be involved depending on how deep Argentina go in the tournament.

However, even elimination in the quarterfinals would likely see Messi and De Paul seeking rest before Inter Miami’s MLS return, with the club’s first match back scheduled for July 22.

Messi has not played in an All-Star Game since joining the league, missing the 2024 edition after injuring his ankle during Copa América and sitting out last year’s match to rest, which resulted in a one-game suspension alongside then-teammate Jordi Alba.

“It’s a bad rule, but it’s a rule nonetheless,” Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Más said at the time of that suspension.

The league has not yet commented on how the participation rule will apply to World Cup players like Messi, Son Heung-Min, Tim Ream, and Matt Freese, leaving the situation unresolved heading into the summer showpiece.

Nashville SC are the best-represented club on the roster, with Brian Schwake, Andy Najar, Hany Mukhtar, and Sam Surridge all earning selections across multiple positions.

Charlotte FC also have a strong presence, with Pep Biel, Ashley Westwood, and Tim Ream all included, fitting given the city will host the All-Star Game itself on July 29.

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