The MLS season has now passed its halfway mark, with Austin, Texas, becoming the focal point of American soccer as it hosts the much-anticipated All-Star festivities. The league`s premier talents, notably without the presence of Lionel Messi, are poised to clash in an exhibition match against the formidable Liga MX All-Stars.
However, Lionel Messi will indeed be absent from the lineup. His exclusion was confirmed when the official game roster was announced on Wednesday. While his club, Inter Miami, has not released a specific reason for his absence, they have confirmed that both Messi and Jordi Alba will not participate in the game.
This upcoming game marks the fourth time these two prominent leagues have faced off, with MLS currently holding a 2-1 advantage in the series. Fans can anticipate an electrifying display of skill and star power, especially with Liga MX bringing in high-profile players like Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez.
The All-Star week kicked off impressively, with MLS securing a victory over Liga MX in the skills challenge. Adding to the excitement, the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference All-Stars triumphed over their Western Conference counterparts in a thrilling 4-3 encounter, where all seven goals were netted by different players. Should the main MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star clash deliver a similar level of entertainment, it promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.
Below, you will find comprehensive details regarding the match, including broadcast information, and more:
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 23
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Q2 Stadium — Austin, Texas
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
Recent Encounters
In their most recent head-to-head, the Liga MX All-Stars claimed a dominant 4-1 victory over MLS in Columbus. This win reversed the trend, as MLS had previously won the two preceding matchups between the leagues.
MLS All-Stars Roster
- Goalkeepers: Dayne St. Clair – Minnesota United FC, Brad Stuver – Austin FC, Yohei Takaoka – Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Defenders: Jordi Alba – Inter Miami CF, Max Arfsten – Columbus Crew, Tristan Blackmon – Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Michael Boxall – Minnesota United FC, Alex Freeman – Orlando City, Jakob Glesnes – Philadelphia Union, Andy Najar – Nashville SC, Miles Robinson – FC Cincinnati, Kai Wagner – Philadelphia Union
- Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter – Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Cristian Espinoza – San Jose Earthquakes, Evander – FC Cincinnati, Carles Gil – New England Revolution, Diego Luna – Real Salt Lake, Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC, Jeppe Tverskov – San Diego FC, Obed Vargas – Seattle Sounders FC, Philip Zinckernagel – Chicago Fire FC
- Forwards: Tai Baribo – Philadelphia Union, Denis Bouanga – LAFC, Anders Dreyer – San Diego FC, Chucky Lozano – San Diego FC, Marco Pašalić – Orlando City, Diego Rossi – Columbus Crew, Sam Surridge – Nashville SC, Brian White – Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Liga MX All-Stars Roster
- Goalkeepers: Luis Malagón – Club América, Kevin Mier – Cruz Azul | Goalkeeper of the Year
- Defenders: Sebastián Cáceres – Club América, Willer Ditta – Cruz Azul, Luan García – Toluca, Jesús Gallardo – Toluca, Joaquim Pereira – Tigres UANL, Sergio Ramos – CF Monterrey, Israel Reyes – Club América, Ignacio Rivero – Cruz Azul, Carlos Rotondi – Cruz Azul
- Midfielders: Roberto Alvarado – Chivas Guadalajara, Juan Brunetta – Tigres UANL, Sergio Canales – CF Monterrey, Rodrigo Dourado – Atlético San Luis, Érik Lira – Cruz Azul, Elías Montiel – CF Pachuca, Gilberto Mora – Club Tijuana, James Rodríguez – Club León, Marcel Ruíz – Toluca, Agustín Palavecino – Necaxa, Alejandro Zendejas – Club América
- Forwards: Diber Cambindo – Necaxa, Hugo Camberos – Chivas Guadalajara, Uroš Đurđević – Atlas, Henry Martín – Club América, Paulinho – Toluca, Brian Rodríguez – Club América, Alexis Vega – Toluca
Our Prediction
Without the pivotal presence of Lionel Messi, the MLS All-Stars face a formidable challenge. The formidable attacking quality and overall depth of the Liga MX team are expected to be the deciding factors in this encounter.
Final Score Prediction: Liga MX 2, MLS 1
