News Summary
The 2025 Major League Soccer All-Star Game saw the MLS All-Stars defeat Liga MX representatives 3-1 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo, and Brian White scored for the MLS team, while Gilberto Mora netted a goal for Liga MX. The match attracted over 20,000 fans, showcasing the continued competitive rivalry between the leagues. Tai Baribo was named MVP, and Messi’s absence raised questions regarding future league performances.
Austin, Texas — MLS All-Stars Defeat Liga MX 3-1 in 2025 Match
On July 23, the city of Austin hosted the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium, where the MLS All-Stars secured a 3-1 victory over Liga MX representatives. The game saw a dynamic display of skill and strategy, with the MLS team claiming victory for the third time in four matches against Liga MX in recent years.
Match Summary and Goals
The MLS team opened the scoring early, with Sam Surridge of Nashville SC netting the first goal in the 28th minute. Surridge’s header was assisted by Denis Bouanga of LAFC, giving the MLS squad an early advantage. The team doubled its lead in the second half with Tai Baribo of Philadelphia Union finding the net in the 51st minute, courtesy of a pass from Diego Rossi of Columbus Crew.
In an effort to close the gap, Liga MX managed to score in the 64th minute through Gilberto Mora from Club Tijuana. Mora became the youngest player to score in an MLS All-Star Game, marking a notable milestone. Despite this, the MLS team responded strongly, sealing the game with a goal from Brian White of Vancouver FC in the 80th minute. White’s goal was assisted by Philip Zinckernagel of Chicago Fire and Cristian Espinoza of San Jose Earthquakes.
Attendance and Context
The match drew a crowd of over 20,000 fans to Q2 Stadium, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere throughout the game. This current victory continued MLS’s winning streak over Liga MX, now standing at three wins in four all-star encounters. The last meeting in 2024 resulted in a 4-1 victory for Liga MX in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting the competitive history between the two leagues.
Player Highlights and League Implications
Notably, Lionel Messi did not participate in this year’s All-Star Game, as he had missed the previous year’s match due to injury. Currently, Messi is tied with Sam Surridge for the MLS season lead in goals, both having scored 18 times. His absence is of particular interest as it affects team dynamics and upcoming league matches.
Furthermore, Messi and Jordi Alba, his teammate from Inter Miami, may face league suspensions for missing the All-Star Game, which could impact their performance in subsequent games, including an upcoming match against Cincinnati.
Substitutions and Defensive Efforts
During the game, both teams made extensive changes to their lineups. Liga MX replaced its entire lineup at halftime, while MLS made seven substitutions in the first half, partly due to congestion with upcoming fixtures. Yohei Takaoka of Vancouver FC made critical saves to preserve the MLS lead, including a key stop against Diber Cambindo of Necaxa in the 75th minute.
Individual Recognition and Significance
Tai Baribo was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match due to his overall performance and goal. This year’s iteration of the All-Star Game is viewed as an important event in the context of the enduring soccer rivalry between the United States and Mexico, both at the club and national levels. The game underscores the growing prestige and competitive spirit between the two leagues and their respective fanbases.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game showcased the strength of the American league and its emerging talents while maintaining the competitive spirit against Liga MX. With a strong crowd supporting the event, the game not only highlighted individual achievements but also reinforced the importance of the ongoing rivalry, promising more exciting matchups in future seasons.
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