News Summary
In a thrilling All-Star Game, MLS defeated Liga MX with a score of 3-1, showcasing remarkable performances from players. Sam Surridge opened the scoring with a header, and Tai Baribo added another goal before Liga MX narrowed the gap with Gilberto Mora’s strike. Brian White sealed the win for MLS. With this victory, MLS has achieved three wins against Liga MX in the last four All-Star matches, increasing the excitement in the rivalry between the U.S. and Mexican soccer.
AUSTIN, Texas – Major League Soccer (MLS) triumphed over Liga MX in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, securing a 3-1 victory on July 23 at Q2 Stadium. The match drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 20,000 fans, marking a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between U.S. and Mexican soccer.
MLS took an early lead in the first half with a header from Sam Surridge of Nashville SC, scoring in the 28th minute, assisted by Denis Bouanga from LAFC. This was followed by a second goal in the 51st minute, when Tai Baribo of the Philadelphia Union extended the lead after finishing a pass from Diego Rossi of Columbus Crew. Although Liga MX’s Gilberto Mora from Club Tijuana managed to narrow the deficit with a goal in the 64th minute—making him the youngest player to score in an MLS All-Star Game—MLS regained momentum. Brian White of Vancouver FC sealed the victory with a third goal in the 80th minute, with assistance from Philip Zinckernagel from Chicago Fire and Cristian Espinoza from San Jose Earthquakes.
This victory marked MLS’s third win against Liga MX in the last four All-Star matches, following a 4-1 defeat in the previous year’s contest held in Columbus, Ohio. Sam Surridge’s performance in this match has placed him alongside Lionel Messi as the co-leader in goals for the MLS season, with each player netting 18 goals so far. It is noteworthy that Messi did not participate in this year’s match, having also missed the 2024 All-Star Game due to an injury. His absence, combined with potential league suspensions he and teammate Jordi Alba from Inter Miami might face for missing the All-Star event, poses a challenge for their imminent match against Cincinnati.
Both teams utilized significant player rotations throughout the match. MLS made seven substitutions in the first half, with Liga MX opting to change its entire lineup at halftime. The managerial strategies appeared reactive to scheduling considerations, particularly with upcoming games on the horizon. Notably, Yohei Takaoka from Vancouver FC played a vital role in maintaining the lead for MLS, executing critical saves, including one against Diber Cambindo from Necaxa in the 75th minute. Baribo’s noteworthy performance earned him the MVP of the All-Star Game award, underlining his substantial impact on the match.
The hosting of the All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium adds to Austin’s growing reputation as a destination for major sports events and highlights the increasing competitiveness between the two soccer leagues. Throughout the years, the rivalry between MLS and Liga MX has become a focal point of interest for fans on both sides, reflecting broader cultural and sporting connections between the United States and Mexico.
As the MLS season progresses, this victory is a promising indicator for the league, contrasting sharply with last year’s outcomes. Both the competitive spirit on the field and the passionate support from fans signal a bright future for soccer in North America, particularly as the All-Star Game continues to showcase the talent and commitment of players from both leagues.
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