News Summary
In a thrilling showdown at Q2 Stadium, Major League Soccer triumphed over Liga MX with a score of 3-1 in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. Sam Surridge opened the scoring for MLS, followed by goals from Tai Baribo and Brian White, while Liga MX’s Gilberto Mora managed to score, becoming the youngest player to achieve that in an All-Star match. The absence of Lionel Messi loomed large, sparking discussions on potential suspensions for him and Jordi Alba. Tai Baribo was named MVP for his remarkable performance during the event.
Austin – Major League Soccer (MLS) triumphed over Liga MX, Mexico’s top league, with a score of 3-1 in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game held on July 23 at Q2 Stadium. This victory marks MLS’s third win out of four encounters against Liga MX in All-Star matches, following a defeat in 2024.
In a competitive clash that drew over 20,000 fans to the stadium, Sam Surridge of Nashville SC opened the scoring in the 28th minute, heading the ball into the net following an assist from Denis Bouanga of LAFC. The MLS team extended their lead in the second half when Tai Baribo from Philadelphia Union scored in the 51st minute, finishing a pass from Diego Rossi of Columbus Crew. Despite Liga MX’s efforts, they only managed to narrow the gap with a goal from Gilberto Mora of Club Tijuana in the 64th minute, making him the youngest player to score in an MLS All-Star Game. Brian White of Vancouver FC sealed the match for MLS with a goal in the 80th minute, assisted by Philip Zinckernagel of Chicago Fire and Cristian Espinoza of San Jose Earthquakes.
The absence of notable player Lionel Messi from Inter Miami, due to a previous injury, created a notable void, as he did not participate in last year’s match either. Messi currently shares the lead for goals in the MLS season with 18 alongside Surridge. However, recent developments could lead to Messi and teammate Jordi Alba facing league suspensions due to their absence from the All-Star Game, which may affect their upcoming match against Cincinnati.
During the match, both teams utilized several substitutions, with Liga MX changing its entire lineup at halftime. Conversely, MLS had already implemented seven substitutions in the first half, accommodating the busy upcoming schedule for both leagues. Notably, Yohei Takaoka of Vancouver FC played a pivotal role in maintaining MLS’s lead, making crucial saves, including a critical stop against Diber Cambindo from Necaxa in the 75th minute.
Tai Baribo was named the MVP of the match for his outstanding performance, which included scoring a goal and contributing to the overall success of his team. This event is particularly significant given the historical rivalry between the United States and Mexico in soccer, both at the national and club levels, solidifying the competitive spirit of the game.
Last year, the All-Star Game saw Liga MX claim victory with a score of 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting the recent competitive nature of these encounters. With the outcome of this match, MLS emphasizes its growing strength and competition in the realm of professional soccer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MLS All-Stars Win Skills Challenge at Q2 Stadium
Portland Timbers Academy Star Shines at MLS NEXT All-Star Game
Additional Resources
