Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Lionel Messi blow for the MLS All Star games as both players are out with injury

Chicago Fire's Mbekezeli Mbokazi will no longer feature in the MLS All-Star game against the Liga MX All-Stars.

The South African defender received an outstanding number of votes for the game even outnumbering superstar Lionel Messi.

But now the fans will not be able to witness the two iconic players in this year's All-Star game.

“The 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime in Charlotte, N.C., will see the MLS All-Stars take on a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s top soccer league, LIGA MX, on Wednesday, July 29 (8 p.m. ET) at Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium,” reads an MLS statement.

“Zinckernagel, along with Inter Miami CF midfielder Yannick Bright, Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Andrés Cubas and Houston Dynamo FC forward Guilherme have been added to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime roster as replacements for unavailable players. Bright, Cubas, Guilherme and Zinckernagel will replace Hugo Cuypers, Rodrigo De Paul, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Lionel Messi."