Match story
- Real Salt Lake fired more attempts (19 vs 9 shots).
- Real Salt Lake held more of the ball (66% possession).
FC Dallas defeated Real Salt Lake 0-1 in Major League Soccer. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 33 stage in the 2015 season. The match was played at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. Jorge Gonzalez, USA officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas meeting in Major League Soccer with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Major League SoccerRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
FC Dallas defeated Real Salt Lake 0-1 in Major League Soccer. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 33 stage in the 2015 season. The match was played at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. Jorge Gonzalez, USA officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas meeting in Major League Soccer with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Major League SoccerRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
While dealing with the sudden absence of team star and captain Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are on the verge of being eliminated from the 2026 Leagues Cup. Inter Miami find themselves on thin ice following a 2-1 loss to CF Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage. With star captain Lionel Messi absent and only one match remaining on the schedule, the Herons are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the international tournament. The Herons initially kicked off their campaign on the right foot with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis. However, ahead of their Matchday 2 clash against Rayados, Messi received the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing and was granted compassionate leave to fly to Argentina. The loss deeply affected the squad, which held a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s kickoff. With Messi in South America and Luis Suarez, German Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende all sidelined, Miami’s attacking depth was severely depleted. Young prospect Daniel Pinter shared frontline duties with Lovens Delinois, the Haitian forward called up from Inter Miami II to make his senior debut. Rodrigo De Paul put the Herons ahead with a brilliant long-range strike in the 32nd minute, removing his match shirt to reveal Messi’s jersey underneath in a poignant tribute to his close friend and teammate. However, Hugo Cuypers netted the equalizer in the 47th minute, and Diego Rossi delivered a crushing blow with the game-winner in the 90th minute, leaving Inter Miami empty-handed at Nu Stadium. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami CF dedicates his goal to Lionel Messi. (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) Now, only one group stage match remains, set for Wednesday, August 12, at Nu Stadium against a formidable Club Leon side that won both of its opening fixtures against Nashville SC (1-0) and Orlando City (2-1). Facing a must-win situation with a depleted frontline, Inter Miami risk missing the knockout phase for the first time since Messi’s landmark arrival in South Florida. What do Inter Miami need to avoid early elimination? Under the expanded Leagues Cup format introduced for the 2025 tournament, only the top four clubs from the MLS table and top four from Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals. Cross-league matchups are determined by table standing, but to secure one of those coveted qualification spots, Inter Miami no longer control their own destiny. Inter Miami currently occupy 11th place in the MLS Leagues Cup standings with three points, five goals scored, and four conceded, trailing ten clubs in the table. The top six sides, Charlotte FC, Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas, have swept their first two matches with a goal differential of at least +2 (+5 for leaders Charlotte and Austin), meaning Miami needs multiple top teams to lose badly while the Herons secure a blowout win over Leon. Seventh-place LAFC sit on five points with a +1 goal differential, meaning Miami needs the Black and Gold to drop points or lose a potential penalty shootout following a draw. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake occupy eighth with four points, while Portland Timbers (9th) and Nashville SC (10th) remain tied with Miami on three points, making the Herons’ path to qualification mathematically possible, but statistically improbable.
Two camps who will open the 2026/27 Eredivisie campaign on Sunday lunchtime, Feyenoord will travel to Sparta Rotterdam this weekend. With the rest of Europe’s elite set to follow suit over the next fortnight and make their respective returns, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available. Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves […] The post Prediction: Sparta Rotterdam vs Feyenoord appeared first on SoccerNews.
Two camps who find themselves scrapping it out at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, Chicago will welcome Charlotte to Soldier Field in the early hours of Sunday. With Europe’s elite set to make their respective returns this month ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available. Verdict: Both […] The post Prediction: Chicago Fire vs Charlotte appeared first on SoccerNews.
With the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game set to begin on Wednesday, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul are the two most notable absences for the event in Charlotte. The MLS All-Star team is set to square off against the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday, July 29, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for the eighth edition of the North American showcase match. As anticipation builds ahead of kickoff, the absence of Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul stands out as the most glaring omission from tonight’s rosters. Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not feature in the 2026 All-Star Game after receiving official load-management clearance from Major League Soccer. The decision stems directly from their grueling summer run at the 2026 World Cup, where the Argentine duo played through the final on July 19, leaving them without an adequate offseason recovery window. Having pushed through to the final against Spain, Inter Miami worked with league officials to coordinate an authorized rest period for the pair. Thanks to this special exemption, neither Messi nor De Paul will face disciplinary action or league-mandated suspensions, avoiding the situation Messi encountered last season following an unsanctioned absence. Having been granted time off from the midsummer exhibition, both Argentine stars received extended downtime following their international duties. Messi officially returned to Inter Miami’s training facility on Wednesday to begin his ramp-up period, while De Paul has yet to rejoin the squad under manager Guillermo Hoyos. POV: Morning greetings with the squad 😁☀️ pic.twitter.com/1ZAodv1BW4— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 29, 2026 With the superstars sitting out, rookie midfielder Yannick Bright will serve as Inter Miami’s sole representative on the MLS All-Star squad. Even without Messi, the roster boasts plenty of star power, headlined by LAFC’s Son Heung-min and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller making their All-Star debuts, alongside forwards Sam Surridge (Nashville SC) and Petar Musa (FC Dallas). Noteworthy absences for the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game Messi and De Paul lead a high-profile list of missing marquee names for tonight’s exhibition, particularly notable given that Messi has yet to participate in an All-Star Game since arriving in MLS in 2023. However, several other featured stars from both leagues will also sit out tonight’s contest. On the MLS side, Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was ruled out following his World Cup run with South Africa. Liga MX suffered notable hits as well: Pumas UNAM goalkeeper Keylor Navas will miss out due to a knee injury setback, while 17-year-old Tijuana prodigy Gilberto Mora was dropped from the squad without an official explanation from his club or the league.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will pit the best players from MLS against the best from Liga MX in Charlotte. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game takes place this Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, pitting the league’s best against a Liga MX all-star squad in a rivalry that continues to grow every year. This year’s edition arrives with plenty of storylines, from young breakout talents to World Cup-tested veterans on both sides of the border. One notable absence looms over the occasion: Lionel Messi won’t be suiting up for MLS. The Inter Miami captain is still working through his mandated rest period following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. His teammate Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in the same situation, also sidelined for the exhibition as part of that same post-tournament recovery window. Neither player will face any sanction over their absence, since the league was informed of their unavailability well in advance and both were left off the roster from the start. Their absence opens the door for other players to headline the occasion, and MLS has no shortage of star power to lean on. Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and a mix of proven MLS regulars and rising prospects make up a 29-player squad selected through a combination of coach’s picks, commissioner’s selections, and fan voting. Our best. Their best. 🥊Watch the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars at 8pm ET on Apple TV: https://t.co/9ojkoIf5TD pic.twitter.com/R0WmikKJT1— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2026 On the Liga MX side, the Mexican league has put together a 24-player roster under coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Coach of the Year, featuring five players who took part in the World Cup and a dozen Liga MX champions. MLS All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire). Coach: Dean Smith (Charlotte FC). Liga MX All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca). Defenders: Bruno Mendez (Toluca), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Garza (Tigres), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas). Midfielders: Alexei Dominguez (Pachuca), Elias Montiel (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jose Paradela (Cruz Azul), Fernando Gorriaran (Tigres), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Kevin Castaneda (Guadalajara). Forwards: Javier Ruiz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas), Salomon Rondon (Pachuca). Coach: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).
Gilberto Mora and Keylor Navas have joined the list of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul as the biggest absences for the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game. The MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game is right around the corner, promising a marquee showcase featuring the premier talent from both the American and Mexican top flights. However, the event has taken another star-power hit, as Gilberto Mora and Keylor Navas have added their names to a growing list of high-profile absentees that already includes Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. Liga MX released its preliminary roster weeks ago with both Navas and Mora included on the squad. However, in an official roster update released Monday, July 27, the league confirmed several notable changes, officially scratching the Costa Rican icon and the Mexican prodigy from the final lineup. In Keylor Navas‘ case, the Pumas UNAM goalkeeper will not travel to Charlotte after suffering a minor setback with a knee issue sustained at the start of the Apertura 2026 campaign. While the injury is not considered severe, the Mexico City side opted against risking their veteran star with both the Liga MX season and the Leagues Cup kicking into high gear. Club Pachuca’s Carlos Moreno has been called up as his replacement. As for Gilberto Mora, an official reason for his omission has not been disclosed by either Liga MX or his club, Club Tijuana. Still, the 17-year-old rising star is continuing his ramp-up period with Xolos following a busy World Cup campaign with the Mexican national team and a subsequent vacation, prioritizing long-term fitness ahead of the upcoming season. Modificaciones en el Equipo de Estrellas que participará en el MLS All-Star Game 2026. 📰 pic.twitter.com/ub7KEa3eG7— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) July 27, 2026 Inter Miami duo also set to miss All-Star clash The annual summer showcase has built immense momentum in recent years thanks to both leagues pulling in elite, world-class talent. However, Liga MX will now be without Mora, Navas, and Armando “La Hormiga” González, while MLS will be missing its biggest draw in Lionel Messi alongside his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The Inter Miami duo received special medical permission to rest following an grueling 2026 World Cup run that culminated in the July 19 final. With neither Messi nor De Paul having re-joined the Herons for full training yet, both MLS stars will sit out Wednesday’s midsummer exhibition at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC (8 p.m. ET). Liga MX All-Star Roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna) and Carlos Moreno (Pachuca).Defenders: Bruno Méndez (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Israel Reyes (América), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Jesús Garza (Tigres UANL), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas UNAM), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), and Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul).Midfielders: Alexei Domínguez (Pachuca), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Elías Montiel (Pachuca), Fernando Gorriarán (Tigres UANL), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), José Paradela (Cruz Azul), Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL), and Kevin Castañeda (Guadalajara).Forwards: Javier Ruíz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas UNAM), and Salomón Rondón (Pachuca).Head coach: Antonio Mohamed. MLS All-Star Roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City), and Brian Schwake (Nashville SC).Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), and Ashley Westwood (
Lionel Messi will not be present for the MLS All-Star Game, missing the event for the second consecutive year. Lionel Messi will once again be absent from the MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on Wednesday, July 29, against Liga MX at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It marks another notable absence for the tournament’s biggest draw, as the Inter Miami captain remains the most influential player across both Concacaf leagues. Unlike last year, though, this absence was known well in advance. Messi is currently on an authorized vacation period, granted by his club after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate and fellow World Cup finalist, was left off the event for the same reason. Messi’s absence from the 2026 edition won’t result in any sanction, since the league was informed of his unavailability well ahead of time and he was never included on the official MLS roster in the first place. MLS Announces Additions to Roster for the 2026 @MLS All-Star Game presented by Chimehttps://t.co/o4H3NhF44U— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 25, 2026 Was Messi sanctioned at the 2025 edition? This isn’t the first time Messi has skipped the exhibition. He also sat out the 2025 edition, but under very different circumstances: back then, he had been named to the squad and pulled out at the last minute, citing muscle overload. Because that decision wasn’t backed by a confirmed injury from MLS medical staff, and was instead a precaution taken jointly by the player and then-manager Javier Mascherano’s coaching staff, the league handed Messi a one-match suspension. MLS roster for the 2026 All-Star Game Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).
Real Salt Lake visit the Portland Timbers on Saturday, as they look to apply pressure on the top sides in the Western Conference. The post Engel confident Real Salt Lake’s attacking underperformance will not last appeared first on SoccerNews.
The San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy suffered chastening defeats in midweek, and they will go head-to-head in Saturday's California derby. The post LA Galaxy must ‘show who they are’ in California Clasico versus San Jose Earthquakes appeared first on SoccerNews.
In what could prove to be an action-packed MLS showdown in the early hours of Sunday, New York City will welcome Chicago to the Yankee Stadium this weekend. While the 2026 World Cup might have drawn to a close last week, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Both teams to […] The post Prediction: New York City vs Chicago Fire appeared first on SoccerNews.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
While dealing with the sudden absence of team star and captain Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are on the verge of being eliminated from the 2026 Leagues Cup. Inter Miami find themselves on thin ice following a 2-1 loss to CF Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage. With star captain Lionel Messi absent and only one match remaining on the schedule, the Herons are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the international tournament. The Herons initially kicked off their campaign on the right foot with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis. However, ahead of their Matchday 2 clash against Rayados, Messi received the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing and was granted compassionate leave to fly to Argentina. The loss deeply affected the squad, which held a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s kickoff. With Messi in South America and Luis Suarez, German Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende all sidelined, Miami’s attacking depth was severely depleted. Young prospect Daniel Pinter shared frontline duties with Lovens Delinois, the Haitian forward called up from Inter Miami II to make his senior debut. Rodrigo De Paul put the Herons ahead with a brilliant long-range strike in the 32nd minute, removing his match shirt to reveal Messi’s jersey underneath in a poignant tribute to his close friend and teammate. However, Hugo Cuypers netted the equalizer in the 47th minute, and Diego Rossi delivered a crushing blow with the game-winner in the 90th minute, leaving Inter Miami empty-handed at Nu Stadium. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami CF dedicates his goal to Lionel Messi. (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) Now, only one group stage match remains, set for Wednesday, August 12, at Nu Stadium against a formidable Club Leon side that won both of its opening fixtures against Nashville SC (1-0) and Orlando City (2-1). Facing a must-win situation with a depleted frontline, Inter Miami risk missing the knockout phase for the first time since Messi’s landmark arrival in South Florida. What do Inter Miami need to avoid early elimination? Under the expanded Leagues Cup format introduced for the 2025 tournament, only the top four clubs from the MLS table and top four from Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals. Cross-league matchups are determined by table standing, but to secure one of those coveted qualification spots, Inter Miami no longer control their own destiny. Inter Miami currently occupy 11th place in the MLS Leagues Cup standings with three points, five goals scored, and four conceded, trailing ten clubs in the table. The top six sides, Charlotte FC, Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas, have swept their first two matches with a goal differential of at least +2 (+5 for leaders Charlotte and Austin), meaning Miami needs multiple top teams to lose badly while the Herons secure a blowout win over Leon. Seventh-place LAFC sit on five points with a +1 goal differential, meaning Miami needs the Black and Gold to drop points or lose a potential penalty shootout following a draw. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake occupy eighth with four points, while Portland Timbers (9th) and Nashville SC (10th) remain tied with Miami on three points, making the Herons’ path to qualification mathematically possible, but statistically improbable.
Two camps who will open the 2026/27 Eredivisie campaign on Sunday lunchtime, Feyenoord will travel to Sparta Rotterdam this weekend. With the rest of Europe’s elite set to follow suit over the next fortnight and make their respective returns, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available. Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves […] The post Prediction: Sparta Rotterdam vs Feyenoord appeared first on SoccerNews.
Two camps who find themselves scrapping it out at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, Chicago will welcome Charlotte to Soldier Field in the early hours of Sunday. With Europe’s elite set to make their respective returns this month ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available. Verdict: Both […] The post Prediction: Chicago Fire vs Charlotte appeared first on SoccerNews.
With the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game set to begin on Wednesday, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul are the two most notable absences for the event in Charlotte. The MLS All-Star team is set to square off against the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday, July 29, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for the eighth edition of the North American showcase match. As anticipation builds ahead of kickoff, the absence of Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul stands out as the most glaring omission from tonight’s rosters. Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not feature in the 2026 All-Star Game after receiving official load-management clearance from Major League Soccer. The decision stems directly from their grueling summer run at the 2026 World Cup, where the Argentine duo played through the final on July 19, leaving them without an adequate offseason recovery window. Having pushed through to the final against Spain, Inter Miami worked with league officials to coordinate an authorized rest period for the pair. Thanks to this special exemption, neither Messi nor De Paul will face disciplinary action or league-mandated suspensions, avoiding the situation Messi encountered last season following an unsanctioned absence. Having been granted time off from the midsummer exhibition, both Argentine stars received extended downtime following their international duties. Messi officially returned to Inter Miami’s training facility on Wednesday to begin his ramp-up period, while De Paul has yet to rejoin the squad under manager Guillermo Hoyos. POV: Morning greetings with the squad 😁☀️ pic.twitter.com/1ZAodv1BW4— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 29, 2026 With the superstars sitting out, rookie midfielder Yannick Bright will serve as Inter Miami’s sole representative on the MLS All-Star squad. Even without Messi, the roster boasts plenty of star power, headlined by LAFC’s Son Heung-min and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller making their All-Star debuts, alongside forwards Sam Surridge (Nashville SC) and Petar Musa (FC Dallas). Noteworthy absences for the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game Messi and De Paul lead a high-profile list of missing marquee names for tonight’s exhibition, particularly notable given that Messi has yet to participate in an All-Star Game since arriving in MLS in 2023. However, several other featured stars from both leagues will also sit out tonight’s contest. On the MLS side, Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was ruled out following his World Cup run with South Africa. Liga MX suffered notable hits as well: Pumas UNAM goalkeeper Keylor Navas will miss out due to a knee injury setback, while 17-year-old Tijuana prodigy Gilberto Mora was dropped from the squad without an official explanation from his club or the league.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will pit the best players from MLS against the best from Liga MX in Charlotte. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game takes place this Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, pitting the league’s best against a Liga MX all-star squad in a rivalry that continues to grow every year. This year’s edition arrives with plenty of storylines, from young breakout talents to World Cup-tested veterans on both sides of the border. One notable absence looms over the occasion: Lionel Messi won’t be suiting up for MLS. The Inter Miami captain is still working through his mandated rest period following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. His teammate Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in the same situation, also sidelined for the exhibition as part of that same post-tournament recovery window. Neither player will face any sanction over their absence, since the league was informed of their unavailability well in advance and both were left off the roster from the start. Their absence opens the door for other players to headline the occasion, and MLS has no shortage of star power to lean on. Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and a mix of proven MLS regulars and rising prospects make up a 29-player squad selected through a combination of coach’s picks, commissioner’s selections, and fan voting. Our best. Their best. 🥊Watch the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars at 8pm ET on Apple TV: https://t.co/9ojkoIf5TD pic.twitter.com/R0WmikKJT1— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2026 On the Liga MX side, the Mexican league has put together a 24-player roster under coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Coach of the Year, featuring five players who took part in the World Cup and a dozen Liga MX champions. MLS All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire). Coach: Dean Smith (Charlotte FC). Liga MX All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca). Defenders: Bruno Mendez (Toluca), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Garza (Tigres), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas). Midfielders: Alexei Dominguez (Pachuca), Elias Montiel (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jose Paradela (Cruz Azul), Fernando Gorriaran (Tigres), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Kevin Castaneda (Guadalajara). Forwards: Javier Ruiz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas), Salomon Rondon (Pachuca). Coach: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).
Gilberto Mora and Keylor Navas have joined the list of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul as the biggest absences for the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game. The MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game is right around the corner, promising a marquee showcase featuring the premier talent from both the American and Mexican top flights. However, the event has taken another star-power hit, as Gilberto Mora and Keylor Navas have added their names to a growing list of high-profile absentees that already includes Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. Liga MX released its preliminary roster weeks ago with both Navas and Mora included on the squad. However, in an official roster update released Monday, July 27, the league confirmed several notable changes, officially scratching the Costa Rican icon and the Mexican prodigy from the final lineup. In Keylor Navas‘ case, the Pumas UNAM goalkeeper will not travel to Charlotte after suffering a minor setback with a knee issue sustained at the start of the Apertura 2026 campaign. While the injury is not considered severe, the Mexico City side opted against risking their veteran star with both the Liga MX season and the Leagues Cup kicking into high gear. Club Pachuca’s Carlos Moreno has been called up as his replacement. As for Gilberto Mora, an official reason for his omission has not been disclosed by either Liga MX or his club, Club Tijuana. Still, the 17-year-old rising star is continuing his ramp-up period with Xolos following a busy World Cup campaign with the Mexican national team and a subsequent vacation, prioritizing long-term fitness ahead of the upcoming season. Modificaciones en el Equipo de Estrellas que participará en el MLS All-Star Game 2026. 📰 pic.twitter.com/ub7KEa3eG7— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) July 27, 2026 Inter Miami duo also set to miss All-Star clash The annual summer showcase has built immense momentum in recent years thanks to both leagues pulling in elite, world-class talent. However, Liga MX will now be without Mora, Navas, and Armando “La Hormiga” González, while MLS will be missing its biggest draw in Lionel Messi alongside his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The Inter Miami duo received special medical permission to rest following an grueling 2026 World Cup run that culminated in the July 19 final. With neither Messi nor De Paul having re-joined the Herons for full training yet, both MLS stars will sit out Wednesday’s midsummer exhibition at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC (8 p.m. ET). Liga MX All-Star Roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna) and Carlos Moreno (Pachuca).Defenders: Bruno Méndez (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Israel Reyes (América), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Jesús Garza (Tigres UANL), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas UNAM), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), and Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul).Midfielders: Alexei Domínguez (Pachuca), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Elías Montiel (Pachuca), Fernando Gorriarán (Tigres UANL), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), José Paradela (Cruz Azul), Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL), and Kevin Castañeda (Guadalajara).Forwards: Javier Ruíz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas UNAM), and Salomón Rondón (Pachuca).Head coach: Antonio Mohamed. MLS All-Star Roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City), and Brian Schwake (Nashville SC).Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), and Ashley Westwood (
Lionel Messi will not be present for the MLS All-Star Game, missing the event for the second consecutive year. Lionel Messi will once again be absent from the MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on Wednesday, July 29, against Liga MX at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It marks another notable absence for the tournament’s biggest draw, as the Inter Miami captain remains the most influential player across both Concacaf leagues. Unlike last year, though, this absence was known well in advance. Messi is currently on an authorized vacation period, granted by his club after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate and fellow World Cup finalist, was left off the event for the same reason. Messi’s absence from the 2026 edition won’t result in any sanction, since the league was informed of his unavailability well ahead of time and he was never included on the official MLS roster in the first place. MLS Announces Additions to Roster for the 2026 @MLS All-Star Game presented by Chimehttps://t.co/o4H3NhF44U— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 25, 2026 Was Messi sanctioned at the 2025 edition? This isn’t the first time Messi has skipped the exhibition. He also sat out the 2025 edition, but under very different circumstances: back then, he had been named to the squad and pulled out at the last minute, citing muscle overload. Because that decision wasn’t backed by a confirmed injury from MLS medical staff, and was instead a precaution taken jointly by the player and then-manager Javier Mascherano’s coaching staff, the league handed Messi a one-match suspension. MLS roster for the 2026 All-Star Game Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).
Real Salt Lake visit the Portland Timbers on Saturday, as they look to apply pressure on the top sides in the Western Conference. The post Engel confident Real Salt Lake’s attacking underperformance will not last appeared first on SoccerNews.
The San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy suffered chastening defeats in midweek, and they will go head-to-head in Saturday's California derby. The post LA Galaxy must ‘show who they are’ in California Clasico versus San Jose Earthquakes appeared first on SoccerNews.
In what could prove to be an action-packed MLS showdown in the early hours of Sunday, New York City will welcome Chicago to the Yankee Stadium this weekend. While the 2026 World Cup might have drawn to a close last week, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Both teams to […] The post Prediction: New York City vs Chicago Fire appeared first on SoccerNews.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
