MLS Announces 2026 All-Star Roster and 30th Anniversary Celebration in Charlotte

Major League Soccer has announced the roster for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, featuring Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi and several standout international talents. The event, celebrating the league’s 30th anniversary, will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the league will also debut a special anniversary jersey.

Lionel Messi and Global Stars Headline 2026 Roster

Lionel Messi returns to the All-Star stage as the primary draw for the 2026 event. According to reports from USA Today, the roster also highlights “World Cup hero” talent from Cape Verde, signaling the league’s continued push toward global visibility and diverse international recruitment.

The 2026 roster includes several key offensive threats from across the league's conferences:

• Petar Musa: The FC Dallas forward has earned a spot on the roster, according to the Dallas Morning News.
• Evander: The FC Cincinnati midfielder joins the squad, as confirmed by WKRC.

Charlotte Hosts 30th Anniversary Milestone

The city of Charlotte will serve as the backdrop for the 2026 festivities, marking three decades of Major League Soccer. To commemorate the milestone, the league is unveiling a specific All-Star Game jersey designed for the 30th anniversary. The Charlotte Observer reports that the kit is intended to blend the league’s history with the modern era of the sport in North America.

Team Breakdowns and Participation

Cleveland.com is tracking which Crew players will ultimately take the field in Charlotte, reflecting the team's depth and the logistical challenges of balancing a championship-caliber season with All-Star commitments.

2026 MLS All-Star Game Quick Facts