Messi, Son, and Müller challenge Liga MX
MLS and Liga MX will face off for the third consecutive year, and the fifth time in history, in the All Star Game, where Messi, Son, and others are expected to be present.
Just days after the new world champion is crowned in the United States, specifically in New Jersey, Charlotte will be preparing for another battle in one of the region’s fiercest rivalries. The stars of MLS and Liga MX are set to face off on 29 July 2026.
This time, the North American league can boast several world-class names. Heung-Min Son, Thomas Müller, Lionel Messi and even James Rodríguez could be called up for the match.
Last year, MLS Commissioner Don Garber suspended Messi and Jordi Alba for one game after they missed the All-Star Game, sending a clear message about the importance of the event. As a result, it is widely expected that the Argentine star will be present in 2026. However, his participation remains uncertain.
Rivalry renewed. 😤
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2026
Our biggest stars will face off against @LigaBBVAMX talent in the MLS All-Star Game pres. by @Chime in Charlotte! 👑
Find out more: https://t.co/7gAaZpkYh0 pic.twitter.com/fWWwxi1lq7
The World Cup final will take place just ten days before the clash between the stars of both leagues. If Argentina reach that stage or retain their title, Messi may be granted a short period of rest.
“The 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime will feature an unmissable rematch between the best of MLS and LIGA MX,” said MLS Executive Vice President Camilo Durana. “With the energy and momentum our leagues will experience following a historic World Cup at home, we are thrilled to showcase our All-Stars and deliver a great show for fans in Charlotte and those watching around the world on Apple TV.”
“We are thrilled that LIGA BBVA MX will once again be part of the MLS All-Star Game for the 2026 edition,” said Francisco Iturbide, Director of Operations, Competitions and Development for LIGA MX. “This event reflects the value of our partnership with MLS and provides us with an important opportunity to showcase the quality and competitiveness of our players. We are confident it will be a great week for fans in all three countries.”
Among the standout players currently competing in Liga MX are Paulinho of Toluca, Keylor Navas and Adalberto Carrasquilla of Pumas, Armando González of Chivas, Alexis Vega of Toluca, Sergio Canales of Monterrey and Ángel Correa of Tigres, among others.
The MLS squad will consist of 26 players: 11 selected by fan vote, 13 chosen by the head coach and two appointed by the league’s commissioner, Don Garber.
As for Liga MX, the selection process for 2026 has not yet been announced. Last year, 14 players were present at the Ballon d’Or gala, while the remaining spots were filled at the discretion of the coach, André Jardine.
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