MLS All-Star XI: Messi and Son headline, Gozo earns spot

The MLS All-Star initial XI has been announced, pairing headline names with a handful of surprises. Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min feature despite uneven seasons, and newcomers Zavier Gozo, Anthony Markanich and Andy Najar earned places. Tim Ream was named for a second time, 15 years after his first selection, while Sebastian Berhalter stands out as the lone central midfielder in a notably thin midfield.

Writers judged the squad to be a broadly representative mix, pointing out three picks from Nashville and praising Gozo as a deserved first-time All-Star who could use the bigger platform. Concerns were raised about the backline and the lack of midfield depth, with hope that the reserves will add balance.

Opinion is divided on continuing the Liga MX matchup. Some argue it supplies a meaningful regional rivalry and sharper stakes than a preseason European opponent, while others say the calendar is already saturated with MLS–Liga MX fixtures and called for more varied opponents, recalling past All-Star highlights against European clubs.

mls all-star, lionel messi, son heung-min, zavier gozo, anthony markanich, andy najar, tim ream, sebastian berhalter, nashville, liga mx