News Summary
In a thrilling All-Star Game, Major League Soccer secured a 3-1 victory against Liga MX at Q2 Stadium. MLS showcased its competitive edge with goals from Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo, and Brian White, while Liga MX’s Gilberto Mora made history as the youngest scorer in All-Star history. The match drew over 20,000 fans and saw Baribo named MVP for his standout performance. The victory marks a significant shift for MLS, further enhancing its growing reputation in North American soccer.
Austin, Texas – Major League Soccer (MLS) secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Liga MX from Mexico in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game held on July 23 at Q2 Stadium. This win marks a significant achievement for MLS, establishing their dominance with three victories in four All-Star matches against Liga MX, following a defeat in last year’s contest.
The scoring opened in the 28th minute when Sam Surridge of Nashville SC headed the ball into the net, thanks to an assist from Denis Bouanga of LAFC. MLS doubled its lead shortly after halftime in the 51st minute with a goal from Tai Baribo, representing the Philadelphia Union, who finished off a well-timed pass from Diego Rossi of Columbus Crew. Liga MX’s Gilberto Mora made history in the 64th minute by scoring a goal, which made him the youngest player ever to score in an MLS All-Star Game, narrowing the score to 2-1.
However, MLS sealed their victory in the 80th minute when Brian White of Vancouver FC scored, with assists from Philip Zinckernagel of Chicago Fire and Cristian Espinoza of San Jose Earthquakes. The match attracted over 20,000 fans to the stadium, underlining the popularity and competitive excitement surrounding the annual event.
Baribo’s performance was pivotal, earning him the title of MVP for the All-Star Game. His contributions helped further elevate the competitive spirit characteristic of the longstanding rivalry between U.S. and Mexican soccer, both at national and club levels.
In a notable absence, superstar Lionel Messi missed the All-Star Game, having also not participated in last year’s match due to injury. Messi, who is currently tied with Surridge for the MLS lead in goals for the season, both with 18, may face potential league suspensions for missing the All-Star event. This situation could have implications on Inter Miami’s upcoming match against FC Cincinnati.
During the match, both teams utilized extensive substitutions. Liga MX opted to change its entire lineup at halftime, while MLS had already made seven substitutions in the first half, strategically managing their players in light of upcoming games. One noteworthy player was Yohei Takaoka from Vancouver FC, who made critical saves throughout the game, including an essential stop against Diber Cambindo of Necaxa in the 75th minute, helping maintain MLS’s lead.
This year’s All-Star Game was significant not only for the victory but also for reaffirming the MLS’s growing stature and competitiveness in North American soccer. The outcome of the match indicates a potential shift in form from the previous year, where Liga MX claimed victory with a score of 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio.
As the 2025 All-Star Game concludes, fans and players alike look forward to the ongoing seasons, with heightened anticipation for the next chapters in the rivalry between MLS and Liga MX.
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