Son Heung-min and Sebastian Berhalter are two of the most prominent names that'll take part of the MLS-Liga MX All-Star Game while having participated in the 2026 World Cup. The annual showcase pitting MLS against Liga MX is right around the corner, set to bring together the premier talent across North America’s top two leagues. Fresh off the heels of the 2026 World Cup, South Korean superstar Son Heung-min and USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter lead an extended list of international stars returning from World Cup duty to participate in the event. The marquee exhibition takes place Wednesday, July 29, at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC. Coming just 10 days after the World Cup final, the All-Star match will serve as the first action back on the pitch for many returning international players, particularly those representing the three North American co-host nations. The USMNT presence on the MLS squad includes goalkeeper Matt Freese (New York City FC), veteran defender Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), midfielder Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) who’s expected to sign for Middlesbrough according to The Ahtletic, and wing-back Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew). Representing the Canadian national team, goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City) and defender Richie Laryea (Toronto FC) will both suit up. Liga MX‘s World Cup contingent relies heavily on El Tri‘s domestic core. The Mexican national team members featured on the Liga MX All-Star roster include goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), defender Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), defender Israel Reyes (Club América), and midfielder Erik Lira (Cruz Azul). Luis Romo #7 of Mexico celebrates with teammates Jesus Gallardo #23 and Erik Lira #6 of Mexico. Rising Mexican prodigy Gilberto Mora (Xolos de Tijuana) was initially named to the Liga MX roster before being ruled out alongside veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas. They join Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul on the list of high-profile absences for Wednesday’s clash. Meanwhile, South Korean icon Son Heung-min will make his MLS All-Star debut following his World Cup campaign with his national team. Notably, Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller, though omitted from Germany’s World Cup squad, stands as the sole former World Cup champion participating in Wednesday’s midsummer showcase. Complete List of 2026 World Cup Players in the All-Star Game Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City SC) — CanadaMatt Freese (New York City FC) — United StatesMax Arfsten (Columbus Crew) — United StatesRichie Laryea (Toronto FC) — CanadaLucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids) — AustraliaSteven Moreira (Columbus Crew) — Cape VerdeTim Ream (Charlotte FC) — United StatesSebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) — United StatesAndres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps FC) — ParaguaySon Heung-min (LAFC) — South KoreaPetar Musa (FC Dallas) — CroatiaBrian Rodríguez (Club America) — UruguayCarlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna) — MexicoJesus Gallardo (Toluca) — MexicoIsrael Reyes (Club America) — MexicoErik Lira (Cruz Azul) — Mexico
Inter Miami face CF Montreal in Matchday 18 action of the MLS, where many are wondering if Lionel Messi will be available for the Herons in Canada. Lionel Messi will sit out Inter Miami’s trip to face CF Montreal in Matchday 18 of the 2026 MLS regular season, as the Argentine captain continues his mandatory recovery period following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Messi has yet to return to training with the Herons since getting back from the tournament. His absence isn’t tied to injury or suspension. Current FIFA-FIFPRO regulations grant players a minimum 21-day rest window after major international tournaments, and Messi is using his in full. Rodrigo De Paul is in the same boat and will also miss the trip to Quebec. It’s a notable blow for Inter Miami’s attack, given Messi has racked up 12 goals and seven assists in just 14 MLS appearances this season. Inter Miami arrive at Stade Saputo on a five-match winning streak and sit near the top of the Eastern Conference table, with Luis Suarez carrying the attacking load in Messi’s absence — the 39-year-old scored a brace in Miami’s 3-2 win over Chicago Fire last time out. Luis Suarez celebrates a goal for Inter Miami. (Getty Images) CF Montreal projected lineup CF Montreal could line up in a 4-3-3, with Matthew Longstaff as the creative engine in midfield. Up top, the trio of Hennadiy Synchuk, Prince Owusu and Noah Streit will be tasked with breaking down the Inter Miami backline. CF Montreal’s projected starting XI: Breza; Bugaj, Neal, Vera, Petrasso; Herbers, Longstaff, Loturi; Synchuk, Owusu, Streit. Inter Miami projected lineup With Messi and De Paul unavailable, Hoyos is expected to turn to a 4-3-3 built around Luis Suarez, who’s been in red-hot form with eight goals in his last 12 MLS appearances, including a brace in the win over Chicago Fire. Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: St. Clair; Mura, Fray, Micael, Reguilon; Ruiz, Bright, Segovia; Silvetti, Suarez, Berterame. When could Messi be back? As for when Messi comes back, the picture is still taking shape. He’s expected to rejoin the group in late July or early August, but given the 21-day rest allowance, his likelier reappearance could come in the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami open group play against Atletico de San Luis on August 5, face Monterrey on August 8, and close against Leon on August 12 — a date that would line up with the end of his mandated rest period.
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