MLS All-Stars Dominate Liga MX in Austin

Strategic Insights -

In a dominant display, the MLS All-Stars defeated Liga MX 3-1 in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The match saw a total of 34 shot attempts, with the MLS All-Stars successfully placing 7 of their 13 attempts on target. The victory marked the third time in the last four meetings that the MLS All-Stars emerged victorious.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MLS All-Stars displayed exceptional teamwork, with multiple players contributing to the team's success. Philip Zinckernagel, Diego Rossi, and Denis Bouanga logged assists for the MLS All-Stars, who played without Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
  • MLS All-Stars coach Nico Estevez emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity, stating, "What I told them is that we have quality when we have the ball if we can do combinations, being together, get the good relations and interactions that will help us to break the opponent."
  • Elias Montiel's assist for Gilberto Mora's lone score for Liga MX was not enough to prevent the MLS All-Stars from taking the lead.
  • The MLS All-Stars' victory snaps a recent streak of Liga MX wins in the series, with the MLS All-Stars now winning three of the last four meetings.
  • The MLS All-Stars' success was attributed to their ability to control possession and create scoring opportunities, with coach Estevez noting, "When we had the ball, it was less instruction and more about being a unit and being compact."
  • The match saw impressive goalkeeping from both Brad Stuver of Austin FC and Luis Malagon of Liga MX, with Stuver making a notable one-handed diving block in the 19th minute.

Statistics:

  • 34 shot attempts in the match
  • 34-14 possession in favor of the MLS All-Stars
  • MLS All-Stars placed 7 of 13 shot attempts on target
  • Liga MX placed 7 of 21 shot attempts on target
  • MLS All-Stars won the match despite playing without key players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba
  • 3-1 final score in favor of the MLS All-Stars
  • MLS regular-season slate continues with six games on Friday, including Orlando City hosting the Columbus Crew and the New England Revolution hosting CF Montreal

Sources:

UPI, July 24

Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White each found the net to steer a dominant MLS victory over Liga MX in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas.

Liga MX launched 21 shot attempts, but placed just seven on target in the 3-1 setback Wednesday at Q2 Stadium.