Jul 23, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; MLS All Stars midfielder Philip Zinckernagel (77) of Chicago Fire FC reacts after scoring a goal in the second half during the 2025 MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

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MLS All-Stars Defeat Liga MX 3–1 in All-Star Clash in Austin

The win gave MLS their third victory in four editions of the showcase matchup since the format was introduced in 2021.

The MLS All-Stars secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Liga MX in the 2025 All-Star Game on Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, in front of a crowd of over 20,000 fans. It was a strong response from MLS, who were beaten 4-1 in last year’s meeting.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were both absent from the match. As a result, the duo could face potential league suspensions for the next match against Cincinnati on Saturday. Former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez (Liga MX) also skipped the event.

MLS All-Stars Dominate Liga MX

The win gave MLS their third victory in four editions of the showcase matchup since the format was introduced in 2021. Goals from Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo, and Brian White sealed the win, with MLS dominating large stretches of the match despite a brief comeback push from the Mexican side.

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWW pic.twitter.com/DQ0I9E5b77
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 24, 2025

After a tight openning spell, the breakthrough came in the 28th minute of the match when Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge headed home from close range after a quick recovery and cross from Denis Bouanga (LAFC). The move followed a brilliant save from Luis Malagon on Bouanga’s earlier attempt. Surridge, who is the joint MLS goalscorer (18) with Lionel Messi, gave MLS a desrved 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

MLS wasted no time after the break. In the 51st minute, Columbus Crew’s Diego Rossi slipped a through ball into the path of Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union), who finished calmly with his right foot to make it 2-0. Liga MX responded in the 64th minute through 16-year-old Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana), who capitalized on a loose ball in the box to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Notably, Mora became the youngest player ever to feature in an MLS All-Star Game and made his presence felt.

Just as Liga MX began to build momentum, MLS regained control of the match. In the 80th minute, Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps) tapped in from close range after a deflection off a defender, capping off the scoring at 3-1. Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver) made a crucial save in the 75th minute to deny Diber Cambindo (Necaxa) and preserve the MLS lead.

This was the fourth meeting between MLS and Liga MX All-Stars since the format began in 2021.

2021: MLS won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
2022: MLS secured a win.
2023: Liga MX won 4-1.
2025: MLS wins 3-1.

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MLS All-Stars

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.