Bafana Bafana Star Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Lionel Messi Suffer Huge Blow Ahead of 2026 MLS All-Star Game
- Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi suffered a lower-back injury that ruled him out of the 2026 MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte
- The 20-year-old had beaten Lionel Messi in the fan vote to earn his place in the All-Star squad for Wednesday's clash against Liga MX
- Messi and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul were also withdrawn from the roster following their World Cup participation
South African football fans have been dealt a double blow ahead of the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, with Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi ruled out through injury alongside global superstar Lionel Messi.
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Chicago Fire FC and Major League Soccer confirmed on 25 July 2026 that the 20-year-old Mbokazi sustained a lower-back injury, ending any prospect of the young South African featuring in the showcase event at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, 29 July.
Mbokazi outpolled Messi in fan vote
Mbokazi's withdrawal is a major disappointment for South African fans, especially after the Orlando Pirates defender earned his place through an outstanding public vote. The youngster even received more fan votes than Lionel Messi, booking a place in what promised to be a memorable clash against the best players from Liga MX.
With Mbokazi, Messi and Inter Miami CF midfielder Rodrigo De Paul all unavailable, MLS announced four replacement call-ups. Inter Miami's Yannick Bright, Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Andrés Cubas, Houston Dynamo forward Guilherme and Chicago Fire winger Philip Zinckernagel were drafted into the squad instead.
MLS clarified that Messi and De Paul were excused under a pre-season agreement between the league and the MLS Players Association. The arrangement required clubs to consult individually with players who featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to establish appropriate recovery periods and timelines for their return to training following the tournament in North America.
Zinckernagel steps up for Chicago
Zinckernagel, who will now carry the flag for Chicago Fire FC at the All-Star Game, makes his second consecutive appearance in the fixture after registering an assist in the 2025 edition.
The Danish forward has been in strong form in 2026, contributing five goals and seven assists in 15 starts. He joins the All-Star squad having accumulated 30 goal contributions across the 2025 season.
The MLS All-Stars will face a Liga MX All-Star selection at Charlotte FC's Bank of America Stadium at 8 p.m. ET on 29 July. The match will be broadcast in more than 100 countries and regions via Apple TV.
Bafana Bafana star ranked among the best
Briefly News earlier reported that a Bafana Bafana star was ranked among the best performers at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup despite South Africa's poor performance.
The South African international has showcased his football talent on the global stage, even as the team struggled in the group stage.
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Source: Briefly News
