As the Major League Soccer (MLS) season reaches its halfway mark, Austin, Texas, becomes the focal point of American soccer with the ongoing All-Star Festival. An exhibition match featuring the league’s elite will see the MLS All-Stars facing off against their counterparts from La Liga MX. This matchup marks the fourth encounter between the two leagues, with MLS trailing 2-1 in previous contests, but the excitement is palpable with stars like Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez set to play for La Liga MX.
The festivities kicked off with MLS triumphing over La Liga MX in the Skill Challenge. Additionally, the MLS Next Pro showcased its talent, with its Eastern Team securing a thrilling 4-3 win against the West, featuring goals from various players. If the main match can deliver a similar level of excitement, it promises to be a memorable showdown, especially with the potential collaboration of offensive talents like Evander and Lionel Messi, should he participate, under the leadership of coach Nico Estavez.
Here’s everything you need to know about watching the match:
How to Watch MLS All-Stars vs. La Liga MX All-Stars
- Date: Wednesday, July 23rd | Time: 9 PM
- Location: Q2 Stadium – Austin, Texas
- Live Stream: MLS Season Pass
Previous Encounters
In their last encounter, the La Liga MX All-Stars defeated MLS with a score of 4-1 in Columbus, following two consecutive victories for MLS in prior matchups.
MLS All-Stars Roster
- Goalkeepers: Dayne Clair (Minnesota United FC), Brad Stuver (Austin FC), Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Defenders: Yordi Alba (Inter Miami CF), Max Alfsten (Columbus Crew), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United FC), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Jacob Gresens (Philadelphia Union), Andynajar (Nashville SC)
- Midfielders: Sebastian Behalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Christian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Philip Zinchernagel
- Forwards: Thailand Balibo (Philadelphia Union), Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Chucky Lozano (San Diego FC), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF), Marco Pasquale (Orlando City), Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew), Sam Salridge (FC Dallas)
Liga MX All-Stars Roster
- Goalkeepers: Luis Malagón (Club América), Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul)
- Defenders: Sebastián Cáceres (Club América), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Luan García (Tuzos), Jess Garraldo (Tuzos), Joaquín Pereira (Tigres UANL), Sergio Ramos (Monterrey), Israeli Reyes (Cruz Azul)
- Midfielders: Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Juan Briones (Tigres UANL), Sergio Canales (Monterrey), Rodrigo Durán (Cruz Azul)
- Forwards: Diver Cambindo (Necaxa), Hugo Cambiaso (Chivas), Uros Vlahovic (Atlas), Henry Martin (Club América), Paulinho (Club América), Alexis Vega (Tuzos)
Prediction
This matchup presents a fascinating duel between Messi and Ramos, with Messi likely elevating the game for the MLS team. It’s predicted that MLS will narrowly win with a score of 2-1 against Liga MX.
Fan Take: This All-Star match not only showcases top-level talent from both leagues but also strengthens the competitive rivalry between MLS and Liga MX. As soccer continues to grow in the U.S., such exhibitions are vital in promoting the sport and elevating its status nationally.
