By admin 
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game once again brings the best players from Major League Soccer against the Liga MX All-Stars in one of North America’s biggest annual soccer events. The match will be played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, with MLS looking to repeat last year’s win after beating Liga MX 3-1 in last year’s meeting.
Read more Sharks make Macklin Celebrini NHL’s top-paid player with massive extension
The rivalry has grown into one of the highlights of the North American soccer calendar. Featuring many of the biggest stars from both leagues, the annual showcase gives fans a chance to see how MLS and Liga MX stack up against each other before returning to regular-season.
MLS has dominated the series, winning three of the four meetings since the format was introduced in 2021. Liga MX’s only victory came in 2024 with a 4-1 win, before MLS responded with a 3-1 victory in the 2025 edition.
Why is Lionel Messi not playing for the MLS All-Stars?
MLS will be without several notable players following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are unavailable as they continue their mandatory post-World Cup rest period, although the squad still features stars such as Petar Musa, Thomas Müller, and Son Heung-min.
Read more Luther Burden III Receives Praise During Chicago Bears Training Camp
Messi will miss the All-Star showdown after recently leading Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Under FIFA’s post-tournament guidelines, he has been granted a mandatory 21-day rest period before returning to club action.
The 38-year-old played every match for Argentina during the tournament, scoring eight goals. However, his bid for a second World Cup title ended in heartbreak as Argentina fell to Spain in the final.
Unlike last year, when Messi received a one-match suspension for skipping the MLS All-Star Game without an injury, MLS pre-approved World Cup-related absences this year, meaning he was formally excused from participating.
Read more Pearsall’s continued knee issues lead 49ers’ injury concerns early in training camp
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published July 29, 2026 at 4:15 PM.