Messi set to link up with Aussie teen in All-Star game
Lucas Herrington has had a small taste of what it is like to face the best, but now he will line up alongside Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min in an All-Star epic.
It has been five months since the Socceroos young gun made his debut with the Colorado Rapids, and he has already been picked in the MLS All-Star team.
Herrington was Australia’s youngest player at the 2026 World Cup. Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES
The exhibition match is scheduled to take place on July 30 (AEST) in North Carolina, with the MLS All-Star team taking on Mexico’s LIGA MX All-Stars.
Herrington was selected by coach Dean Smith to be part of the team, with other athletes included in the squad based on a combined fan, player and media vote.
Argentinian superstar Messi headlines the All-Star team, which also includes Korean sensation Son and Germany’s Thomas Müller. Between the three of them, they have collected 84 club and international trophies.
It is yet another remarkable achievement in 18-year-old Herrington’s career, given just 12 months ago he was playing in the A-League with the Brisbane Roar.
Now, he has made his national team debut, played at a World Cup and become the youngest player in the MLS to feature at the prestigious football tournament.
Herrington started in Australia’s third group stage match against Paraguay at the World Cup and backed up for a thrilling penalty shootout defeat against Egypt.
While his penalty shot did not find the back of the net, he did receive mass support from the public and also Swedish great Zlatan Ibrahimović, who informed the teenager to reach out if he wanted someone to lean on.
Still, Australia’s results did not impact the interest of some of the biggest teams in the world, with FC Barcelona leading the race to get his signature.
Liverpool sent scouts to Australia’s game to watch Herrington in action at the World Cup, despite his current deal with the Rapids not set to expire until 2029.
English media outlet TeamTalk has since reported that Everton, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also interested in Herrington.
Chelsea have also been reported to have held discussions about signing the teen.
Lucas Herrington in action in the MLS. Ronald Martinez
The transfer window for US, UK and European leagues closes on September 2 (AEST).
MLS All-Star squad list
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Matt Freese and Brian Schwake
Defenders: Max Arfsten, Lucas Herrington, Richie Laryea, Anthony Markanich, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Steven Moreira, Daniel Munie, Andy Najar, Jackson Ragen and Tim Ream
Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter, Pep Biel, Rodrigo de Paul, Evander, Carles Gil, Zavier Gozo, Hany Mukhtar, Thomas Muller and Ashley Westwood
Forwards: Hugo Cuypers, Andrews Dreyer, Julian Hall, Son Heung-min, Lionel Messi, Petar Musa and Sam Surridge
