Anticipation Builds for 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin
Austin, Texas, is abuzz as Q2 Stadium prepares to host the highly anticipated 2025 MLS All-Star Game, pitting the best of Major League Soccer against a formidable squad from Mexico’s Liga MX. The showdown, scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT), promises to be a thrilling display of North American soccer talent. Fans can catch all the action live on Prime Video and MLS Season Pass (Apple TV – Free).
MLS Dominates Skills Challenge Ahead of Main Event
The MLS All-Stars have already claimed bragging rights, securing a decisive 4-2 victory over their Liga MX counterparts in the 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T on Tuesday, July 22. The event showcased individual brilliance and team cohesion across various disciplines:
- Shooting Challenge: FC Cincinnati’s Evander delivered a historic performance, setting a new record with 72 points to clinch the win for MLS.
- Touch Challenge: Liga MX responded strongly, with Club América’s Alex Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez setting a new record of 120 points to win this segment.
- Cross & Volley Challenge: This event ended in a tie, thanks to clutch saves from Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver and a late surge from LAFC star Denis Bouanga for MLS, countering impressive volleys from Club Tijuana’s Gilberto Mora.
- Passing Challenge: MLS legend Clint Dempsey and Evander combined for another win for the MLS All-Stars.
- Crossbar Challenge: Vancouver Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka sealed the overall Skills Challenge victory for MLS, hitting the crossbar from Zone 2.
This triumph marks the first time since 2022 that the MLS All-Stars have won the Skills Challenge crown, setting a confident tone for the main match (MLSsoccer.com).
The Rosters: A Blend of Experience and Rising Stars
The MLS All-Star roster features 29 players from 15 different clubs, with Austin FC’s head coach Nico Estévez at the helm. Notable players include LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano, FC Cincinnati’s Evander (who also serves as captain), Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna, Orlando City SC’s Alex Freeman, and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge. Vancouver Whitecaps FC leads the MLS contingent with four players selected (MLSsoccer.com).
On the Liga MX side, 23 players from 11 clubs will be led by Club América’s Andre Jardine, who earns his second consecutive All-Star coaching selection. Their squad boasts stars like Tigres UANL’s Juan Brunetta, CF Monterrey’s Sergio Canales and legendary defender Sergio Ramos (who will captain the Liga MX side), Cruz Azul’s Willer Ditta, and Club América’s Luis Malagón. At just 16 years old, Club Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora is the youngest player in this year’s All-Star Game (MLSsoccer.com).
Messi and Alba to Miss the Match
Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will not participate in Wednesday’s All-Star Game, as confirmed by MLS. Both players are facing a one-match ban for their absence (ESPN).
Rivalry History and Future Implications
This marks the fourth time the MLS and Liga MX All-Stars have clashed in this format. The MLS All-Stars currently hold a 2-1 advantage in the series, though Liga MX claimed the most recent victory with a dominant 4-1 win in 2024. Previous results include an MLS win on penalties in 2021 and a 2-1 MLS victory in 2022 (MLSsoccer.com).
Beyond the All-Star Game, the rivalry between these two prominent North American leagues continues to intensify, particularly with the upcoming Leagues Cup 2025, which kicks off on July 29. This expanded tournament will feature 36 teams (18 MLS clubs and all Liga MX clubs) and offers significant stakes, with the top three finishers qualifying for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. MLS teams have won the first two editions of the Leagues Cup, with Inter Miami CF lifting the trophy in 2023 and Columbus Crew winning in 2024 (Wikipedia).
Austin’s Hosting Prowess
Austin FC, which began competing in 2021, is proud to host this prestigious event at Q2 Stadium. The venue is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, having recorded 81 consecutive MLS home sellouts, the league’s longest active streak. Austin FC is represented in the MLS All-Star squad by goalkeeper Brad Stuver and defender Guilherme Biro, alongside their head coach Nico Estévez (MLSsoccer.com).
As the 2025 MLS All-Star Game approaches, all eyes will be on Austin to see which league’s stars will emerge victorious in this highly anticipated cross-border clash.
