Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba lead the way as MLS offer update on 2024 All-Star voting

The update provided by MLS shows that Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are currently leading their categories of forward, defensive midfielder, and left-back, respectively. Their Herons' teammate Luis Suarez stands third in the forwards category behind the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Real Salt Lake's Cristian Arango.

The All-Stars will be selected within a pre-determined 4-3-3 formation this season with one 'defensive midfielder' and two 'attacking' midfielders. The categories for voting are distributed as follows: Goalkeeper, two Center-Backs, Right-Back, Left-Back, Defensive Midfielder, two Attacking Midfielders, and three Forwards.

The voting will determined by votes from fans, the media and current MLS players, with each sharing equal weightage.

If the the team were to be formed with the current rankings, Messi, Busquets, Alba and Suarez would all be in the XI and joined by another former Barcelona star in LA Galaxy's Riqui Puig. As per the current rankings, the team would have New York City FC's Matt Freese in goal, DC United's Aaron Herrera at right-back, FC Cincinnati's Miles Robinson and Colorado Rapids's Moise Bombito as the center-backs and Alba at left-back. Busquets would be the lone defensive midfielder joined by Cincinnati's Luciano Acosta and Puig. The forward line would consist of Messi, Arango and Suarez up top.

Last year the All-Star team faced Arsenal at Audi Field in Washington DC. This year, the side will take on Mexico's Liga MX All-Star team on July 24 at Lower.com Field in Columbus. However, it is possible that a horde of stars including Messi and Suarez, could miss the clash if their nations make a deep run into this year's Copa America.