The MLS All-Star roster has been released as a team led by head coach Wayne Rooney prepares to take on Premier League giants Arsenal.
The annual game will see the former Everton and Manchester United forward take charge of a cast of the standout names from the US top flight and will take place at Audi Field - the home of D.C. United. Facing off against the Gunners on July 19, the squad itself consists of a variety of performers chosen through an extensive process that involves everyone from supporters to MLS chiefs alike.
Made up of some 26 stars from across the franchises, 12 players were voted in by fans, the media, and players, with another 12 having been picked by the coach. On top of this, two players were also picked by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
As it stands, incoming Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is not included in the list, despite the fact that he is expected to be officially registered an an MLS player at the beginning of the month. Instead, his first game for his new employers is set to come against Mexican club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21.
That said, it is still possible that the World Cup winner may be added to the roster at a later date or could be involved in proceedings in a non-playing capacity. Indeed, it could well be that the 36-year-old is involved in some kind of ceremonial role to mark his arrival in the MLS.
Aside from Messi's omission, there are places for eight of the ten highest scorers in MLS so far this season with Nashville SC's Hany Mukhtar joined by Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga, Atlanta United's Georgios Giakoumakis and FC Dallas' Jesus Ferreira. In spite of this, some of the more obvious absentees from the roster include Philadelphia Union's Julian Carranza, New England Revolution's Carles Gil and FC Cincinnati's Yerson Mosquera.
There's also a place picked by Rooney for New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. Petrovic has hit the headlines having generated interest from Manchester United as they eye goalkeeping reinforcements in the summer transfer window.
On top of this, some six USMNT stars who have recently been called up for their national team have also received the nod to play in the showpiece game versus the North London outfit. These include the aforementioned Ferreira, alongside Seattle Sounders' Jordan Morris, Columbus Crew's Aidan Morris, Nashville's Walker Zimmerman, FC Cincinnati Matt Miazga and the New York Red Bulls' John Tolkin.
MLS All-Stars roster in full
Voted in: Denis Bouanga; Jesus Ferreira; Jordan Morris; Lucho Acosta; Thiago Almada; Aidan Morris; Hany Mukhtar; Alvaro Barrea; Jon Gallagher; Matt Miazga; Walker Zimmerman; Roman Burki.
Coaches picks: Christian Benteke; Christian Espinoza; Giorgos Giakoumakis; Hector Herrera; Jose Martinez; Riqui Puig; Lucas Zelarayan; Ryan Hollingshead; Tim Parker; John Tolkin; Tyler Miller; Djordje Petrovic.
Commissioner's Picks: Kei Kamara; Mathieu Choiniere.
