MLS
MLS vs Liga MX All Star Game possible XI: will Messi play?
Columbus, Ohio will hosts this year’s All Star Game between the top players in MLS and the Liga MX. We take a look at who could be in the starting lineup for the hosts.
A new edition of the MLS All Star Game was confirmed this morning - the 28th edition of the summer showpiece and the third in the current format which pits a team comprising stars from the North American league against a select team from Mexico’s Liga MX. The big attraction this year is the presence of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, who is expected to lead the MLS All Star XI.
Unlike the first edition between All Star team from both leagues which took place in Los Angeles two years ago, today’s MLS boasts more players who have triumphed in Europe’s major leagues - established figures such as Luis Suárez, Hugo Lloris, as well as Messi’s Inter Miami team mates - Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both world champions with Spain.
MLS World Cup winners
The 2022 edition featured no world champions at all, but this year, five players who have lifted the World Cup could be taking part: Hugo Lloris (France - 2018), Lionel Messi (Argentina - 2022), Thiago Almada (Argentina - 2022), Sergio Busquets (Spain - 2010) and Jordi Alba (Spain - 2010).
Possible MLS starting XI for the MLS All Star Game
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris
A world champion with France at the 2018 Russia World Cup and over a decade of experience playing in the Premier League with Spurs makes Lloris the big favorite to be a starter in July’s All Star clash. Lloris hasn’t had the best of starts with LAFC, conceding one on his debut against Seattle and having three put past him in the next game against Real Salt Lake, but the former French captain’s quality is undeniable.
Defenders
Jordi Alba, Kamal Miller, Miles Robinson, Griffin Dorsey
Jordi Alba is the firm favorite to occupy the left-back position. But the central defence is more of a mystery. One candidate could be Portland Timbers Canadian centre-back Kamal Miller partnering North American Matt Miazga, last year’s best defender, although USMNT internationals Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson are another option. The right-back is another big unknown, but Houston Dynamo wing-back Griffin Dorsey would seem a good choice.
Midfielders
Sergio Busquets, Riqui Puig, Héctor Herrera
A midfield with a lot of experience in Sergio Busquets, Riqui Puig and Héctor Herrera could be dreamed of by many, and there is no doubt that all three play a fundamental role in their respective teams.
Forwards
Lorenzo Insigne, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez
Lorenzo Insigne is keen to return to the kind of impressive form he showed at Napoli. Messi is the most anticipated guest and surely the three-pronged frontline will be completed by Uruguayan Luis Suárez, who is finally off the mark with Inter Miami , scoring twice in the 5-0 demolition of Orlando at the weekend.
On the bench, another world champion Thiago Almada could sit alongside Belgian forward Christian Benteke, another player with vast experience in the Premier League, MLS Cup champion Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernández, and the top scorer of the 2023 season, Denis Bouanga.
The two previous editions of this match have not been positive for Mexico. The 2021 edition ended in a 1-1 draw - Cabecita Rodríguez’s 20th minute opener was cancelled out by Jesús Murillo. at the Banc of California stadium in Los Angeles. Allianz Field in Minnesota hosted the following year’s game, which ended 2-1 to MLS All Stars with goals from Carlos Vela and Raúl Ruidíaz with Kevin Álvarez scoring a late consolation goal for the Mexicans. In 2023, the Liga MX representative was unable to take part. Premier League side Arsenal took their place and ran out 0-5 winners, equalling the biggest wins in 25 editions of the MLS All Star Game in its various different guises.
Tickets for both events will be go on general sale at 10 a.m. ET on Friday 8 March through the MLSsoccer.com/AllStar website. Last year, tickets for the Skills Challenge were priced at $15 while tickets for the game quickly sold out. With the possibility that Lionel Messi might be selected for the MLS All Star roster, there is strong chance that this year’s game will sell out too.