Daijiworld Media Network – Austin
Austin, Jul 24: Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Stars turned on the style even without global superstar Lionel Messi, securing a confident 3-1 victory over Mexico’s Liga MX in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game held at Q2 Stadium in Austin on Wednesday night.
Despite Messi and teammate Jordi Alba of Inter Miami skipping the high-profile event — a decision that may invite league suspensions — MLS proved its mettle through a clinical performance led by Sam Surridge (Nashville), Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union), and Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps), each netting one goal.
The 20,000-plus fans in attendance witnessed a fiercely competitive encounter as MLS reclaimed bragging rights against their North American rivals. This marked the third win for MLS in four All-Star meetings with Liga MX, after falling 4-1 in last year’s fixture.
Speaking after the match, MLS All-Star coach Nico Estévez acknowledged Messi’s stature but heaped praise on the players who stepped up:
“Messi’s the greatest. Coaching him would be an honour. But today, respect must go to the boys who came out and gave it their all. They deserved this win.”
Goal Highlights:
• 28th Minute: Sam Surridge opened the scoring with a well-placed header from the center of the box, assisted by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga after a rebound effort.
• 51st Minute: Baribo doubled the lead with a clinical right-footed strike from a Diego Rossi pass.
• 64th Minute: Liga MX pulled one back through Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), finishing off a build-up play from Elias Montiel (Pachuca).
• 80th Minute: Brian White sealed the victory, tapping in the third goal to restore MLS's two-goal cushion.
Despite the absence of marquee names like Messi and James Rodríguez — who also opted out — the game offered fast-paced football and thrilling saves from goalkeepers Luis Malagón (Liga MX) and Brad Stuver (Austin FC).
MLS goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver) was pivotal in maintaining the lead, notably denying Necaxa’s Diber Cambindo’s strong effort in the 75th minute.
With this win, MLS not only reclaims pride but also builds momentum ahead of the upcoming Leagues Cup, beginning July 29. The expanded tournament will see 36 clubs — 18 each from MLS and Liga MX — battle it out until August 31 in a restructured format.
As Estévez summed it up:
“They are competitive. One scores, the other says, ‘I must too.’ This hunger is what makes our league stronger.”
Messi remains joint top-scorer in MLS with 18 goals, tied with Surridge, but his absence from the All-Star event may come under further scrutiny as Inter Miami faces FC Cincinnati on Saturday.