MLS All-Stars outclass Liga MX in 2025 All-Star Game despite Messi’s absence

The MLS All-Stars secured a convincing 3–1 win over the Liga MX All-Stars in Wednesday night’s All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, continuing their dominance in the midseason showdown between North America’s top leagues.

Despite the absence of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, both of whom were voted into the squad but sat out due to Inter Miami's grueling recent schedule, the MLS squad, led by Austin FC manager Nico Estevez, controlled the tempo throughout.

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Nashville striker Sam Surridge opened the scoring in the 28th minute, heading in a pinpoint cross from Denis Bouanga. Surridge, who now has 18 goals this season, remains tied with Messi atop the MLS scoring chart.


Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo added a second in the 51st minute, finishing a clinical pass from Diego Rossi with a low strike into the corner.


Tijuana’s 16-year-old prodigy Gilberto Mora gave Liga MX a glimmer of hope with a 64th-minute goal, showcasing the flair that made him a standout at this year’s Gold Cup. But Vancouver’s Brian White sealed the victory with an 80th-minute tap-in to restore the two-goal cushion.


FC Cincinnati’s Evander captained the MLS squad, while veteran defender Sergio Ramos wore the armband for Liga MX. This was the fourth meeting between the leagues in the All-Star format, with MLS now holding a 3–1 series edge after Liga MX's lone win in 2023.


WHAT IS MLS ALL-STAR GAME

Since its inception in 1996, the MLS All-Star Game has grown into a fan-favorite event, offering a unique showcase of soccer talent each year. Unlike traditional league play, the All-Star format sees top Major League Soccer (MLS) players take on international clubs or, more recently, rivals from other leagues.

This year’s edition, set for July 23, features the MLS All-Stars facing off against Liga MX All-Stars - marking the fourth time the two leagues have met in this format. Of the 30 players selected for MLS, 14 hail from outside the US, Canada, and Mexico, highlighting the league's global diversity.

As MLS celebrates its 30th season, this will be the 29th All-Star Game (the 2020 edition was canceled). MLS now holds a 3-1 advantage in the series against Liga MX, though the Mexican league earned a convincing 4-1 win last year.

MLS ALL-STAR WINNERS

• 2025 - MLS 3, Liga MX All-Stars 1, Austin, Texas
• 2024 - Liga MX All-Stars 4, MLS 1, Columbus, Ohio
• 2023 - Arsenal FC 5, MLS 0, Washington D.C.
• 2022 - MLS 2, Liga MX All-Stars 1, St. Paul, Minnesota
• 2021 - MLS 1, Liga MX All-Stars 1 (MLS 3-2 pen), Los Angeles, California
• 2020 - Cancelled due to COVID-19
• 2019 - Atletico de Madrid 3, MLS 0, Orlando, Florida
• 2018 - MLS 1, Juventus FC 1, (Juventus 5-3 pen), Atlanta, Georgia
• 2017 - MLS 1, CF Real Madrid 1, (Real Madrid 4-2 pen), Chicago, Illinois
• 2016 - Arsenal FC 2, MLS 1, San Jose, California
• 2015 - MLS 2, Tottenham Hotspur FC 1, Commerce City, Colorado
• 2014 - MLS 2, FC Bayern Munchen 1, Portland, Oregon
• 2013 - AS Roma 3, MLS 1, Kansas City, Kansas
• 2012 - MLS 3, Chelsea FC 2, Chester, Pennsylvania
• 2011 - Manchester United FC 4, MLS 0, Harrison, New Jersey
• 2010 - Manchester United FC 5, MLS 2, Houston, Texas
• 2009 - MLS 1, Everton FC 1 (Everton 4-3 pen), Sandy, Utah
• 2008 - MLS 3, West Ham United FC 2, Toronto, Canada
• 2007 - MLS 2, Celtic FC 0, Commerce City, Colorado
• 2006 - MLS 1, Chelsea FC 0, Bridgeview, Illinois
• 2005 - MLS 4, Fulham FC 1, Columbus, Ohio
• 2004 - East 3, West 2, Washington D.C.
• 2003 - MLS 3, CD Guadalajara 1, Carson, California
• 2002 - MLS 3, USMNT 2, Washington D.C.
• 2001 - East 6, West 6, San Jose, California
• 2000 - East 9, West 4) Columbus, Ohio
• 1999 - West 6, East 4, San Diego, California
• 1998 - MLS USA 6, MLS World 1, Orlando, Florida
• 1997 - East 5, West 4, East Rutherford, New Jersey
• 1996 - East 3, West 2, East Rutherford, New Jersey