The 2025 MLS All-Star Game, set for July 23 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, pits the MLS All-Stars against the Liga MX All-Stars in the fourth edition of this inter-league exhibition. Kickoff is at 9:00 PM ET, broadcast live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV (free in English, Spanish, and French). Below is a detailed breakdown of the matchup, including predictions, key players, and betting insights, based on recent form, rosters, and historical context.
Team Rosters and Key Players
- MLS All-Stars: Coached by Austin FC’s Nico Estévez, the 30-man roster features stars from 17 clubs, selected via fan/media/player voting (12), Estévez’s picks (16), and MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s choices (2). Notable names include:
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, questionable): 18 goals, 10 assists in 2025, but his participation is uncertain due to a possible injury or limited minutes.
- Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC): League-leading 15 assists, 11 goals, a versatile MVP contender.
- Evander (FC Cincinnati): 15 goals, 8 assists, starred in the Skills Challenge with a record 72-point shooting performance.
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC): 8 goals, 5 assists, a three-time All-Star with big-game pedigree.
- Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC): 2022 MLS MVP, 4th straight All-Star appearance.
- Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake): USMNT rising star with 9 goals, 2 assists.
- Chucky Lozano (San Diego FC): 5 goals, 7 assists, a Mexican international boosting MLS’s attack.
- Brad Stuver (Austin FC): Local goalkeeper, key in the Skills Challenge.
- Notable absences: Brandon Vazquez (ACL surgery), David Da Costa (injury), Miles Robinson (Olympics).
- Liga MX All-Stars: Led by Club América’s André Jardine, the 29-player roster from 11 clubs includes Balón de Oro winners and performance-based selections. Key players:
- Alexis Vega (Toluca): 13 goals, 11 assists in the 2025 Clausura, a Gold Cup standout.
- Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL): 2023-24 Balón de Oro winner, dynamic midfielder.
- Sergio Canales (CF Monterrey): Former Real Madrid star, playmaking cornerstone.
- Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana): 16-year-old prodigy, Mexico’s youngest representative.
- Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul): 2024-25 Center Back of the Year, Concacaf Champions Cup winner.
- Luis Malagón (Club América): Mexico’s No. 1 goalkeeper, replacing Memo Ochoa.
- Notable absences: Sergio Ramos, James Rodríguez, Henry Martín, and Sebastián Cáceres (injuries or club decisions).
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
- Historical Context: The MLS All-Stars lead the series 2-1, winning in 2021 (1-1, 3-2 penalties) and 2022 (2-1), but Liga MX dominated 4-1 in 2024 in Columbus, with goals from César Huerta, Juan Brunetta, and others. The last three All-Star Games have gone over 3.5 goals, reflecting the attacking nature of these exhibitions.
- MLS All-Stars: Bolstered by home advantage at Q2 Stadium, where Austin FC has sold out every MLS match, the team is coming off a 4-2 victory in the Skills Challenge on July 22, led by Evander and Bouanga. However, Messi’s questionable status and a grueling MLS season (two-thirds complete) could impact freshness.
- Liga MX All-Stars: Fresh off a mid-summer break, Liga MX players are less fatigued, with seven Gold Cup winners and two Clausura champions (Toluca). Their 2024 rout showcased depth, but the absence of veterans like Ramos and Rodríguez may weaken leadership. Goalkeeping concerns persist, with Kevin Mier’s recent errors and absence from training, leaving Malagón as the likely starter with a thin three-man backline.
Predictions and Betting Insights
- Game Dynamics: All-Star Games prioritize entertainment, with limited player minutes (often 10-30 minutes per star) and open, attacking play. Both teams boast potent offenses—MLS with Messi (if he plays), Surridge, and Dreyer (51 combined MLS goals); Liga MX with Vega, Paulinho, and Brunetta. Defensively, Liga MX’s three-man backline and goalkeeping issues could be exploited, but MLS’s backline has conceded 9 goals in the last two All-Star Games.
- Best Bets:
- Both Teams to Score in First Half (+155 at Betano): Last year, both teams scored within 20 minutes, and with attacking stars like Vega and Evander likely starting, early goals are probable.
- Over 4.5 Goals (+125 at BetMGM): The last three All-Star Games averaged 4.7 goals, and the offensive talent outweighs defensive stability.
- MLS All-Stars to Win (+130 at BetMGM): Home advantage, Q2 Stadium’s electric crowd, and Messi’s potential cameo tilt the edge to MLS, despite Liga MX’s depth.
- Score Prediction: MLS All-Stars 3-2 Liga MX All-Stars. A high-scoring, competitive match is expected, with MLS capitalizing on home support and Liga MX’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Key Matchup to Watch
- Messi vs. Malagón: If Messi plays, his ability to exploit Liga MX’s shaky backline and goalkeeper could be decisive. Malagón, Mexico’s new No. 1, faces a high-pressure test.
- Vega vs. Alba: Alexis Vega’s pace and 1v1 ability will challenge MLS’s Jordi Alba, a defensive weak point despite his attacking flair.
Sentiment and Fan Buzz
Social media reflects intense excitement, with X posts like @LigaBBVAMX’s “Son ellos contra nosotros” hyping the rivalry. MLS fans cite home advantage and Messi’s presence, while Liga MX supporters highlight their 2024 dominance and fresher squad. Some express disappointment over absences like Ramos and Rodríguez, but anticipation for young stars like Mora and Luna is high. The Skills Challenge win has boosted MLS confidence, with posts praising Evander’s “historic” performance.
How to Watch
- TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (free), Canal 6 Multimedios (Mexico)
- Live Scores: Sofascore, Xscores, MLS app
- Start Time: 9:00 PM ET (8:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM Mexico City)
The match promises a goal-filled spectacle, with MLS slightly favored due to home support and attacking depth, but Liga MX’s fresher legs and attacking threats like Vega ensure a tight contest.
