Experience the excitement of the 2025 MLS All Star Game: Austin hosts MLS vs Liga MX at Q2 Stadium, packed with star talent, skills challenge action, broadcast details, and fan insights.
🔥 MLS All Star Game Background
- The 29th MLS All‑Star Game takes place July 23, 2025, at Q2 Stadium, marking the first time Austin hosts the event .
- For the fourth straight year, the MLS All‑Stars will face the Liga MX All‑Stars, continuing the fierce soccer rivalry .
- MLS holds a 2–1 record in the format, with Liga MX winning last year’s clash in Columbus 4–1 .
⭐ Star-Studded Rosters
MLS Highlights:
- Lionel Messi, Sam Surridge (16 goals), Denis Bouanga, Cristian Espinoza, Carles Gil, Hany Mukhtar, Obed Vargas added recently.
- Messi (18G, 7A) anchors alongside veterans like Jordi Alba.
Liga MX Standouts:
- Alexis Vega, Marcel Ruíz, Erik Lira, Rodolfo Pizarro, Julio Furch & Sergio Canales featured.
🗓️ Event Schedule & Broadcast Info
- Skills Challenge: July 22 at 8 p.m. CT – free on Apple TV MLS Season Pass .
- MLS All‑Star Game: July 23 at 8 p.m. CT / 9 p.m. ET on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, DirecTV, Comcast .
- Special Events: Unified Sports game Wednesday morning; All‑Star After Dark concert Tuesday night .
🎯 Skills Challenge Overview
- MLS edged Liga MX 4–2 in the technical and precision-based Skills Challenge .
- Highlights: Evander’s record 72-point shooting performance; Brad Stuver’s decisive crossbar hit; Yohei Takaoka seals with perfect crossbar goal .
- Five round formats: shooting, touch, cross & volley, passing, crossbar, plus Goalie Wars .
📊 Roster Values & Rivalry Narrative
- MLS squad valued at €146.3M, marginally ahead of Liga MX (€145.5M); Messi, Lozano, Bouanga top MLS list; Vega leads Liga MX effort .
- This mirrors the leagues’ economic parity and underpins the rivalry’s competitive edge.
🧠 Tactical Context & Storylines
Star Power vs Emerging Talent
- Messi’s participation remains in question after recent absences from training—MLS coach expects him, but presence not guaranteed .
- Young stars, like 16‑year‑old Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas, highlight the tournament’s development focus .
Leagues’ Pride
- MLS seeks redemption after last year’s drubbing by Liga MX, aiming to leverage home advantage and newfound depth .
- Liga MX traditionally fields seasoned internationals like Alejandro Zendejas, Peralta, and James Rodríguez .
🌍 Fan Experience in Austin
- Q2 Stadium expected to be packed, showing the city’s first-time hosting status with high ticket prices ($216–$800+) .
- Events include a unified Special Olympics match and concert by D‑Madness and Grooveline Horns .
Pinpoint accuracy from Clint Dempsey and Evander to win the #MLSAllStar Passing Challenge pres. by @Bounty. 👌 pic.twitter.com/uRhkMNwBK9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 23, 2025
🔗 Broadcasting & Access
- Free streaming via MLS Season Pass (Apple TV), including Skills and main game .
- TV coverage on Amazon Prime, DirecTV, Comcast Xfinity across North America .
🎙️ Takeaways & Predictions
- With a tight roster gap, on-field execution and star performance will define the outcome. MLS’s home advantage and fresh talent provide momentum.
- Liga MX, with seasoned players, enters with counter-remedial adjustment after last year’s defeat .
- Expect 3–4 goals, competitive passing metrics, and high pressing—plus a possible Messi cameo.