MLS vs. Liga MX: Which league has won more All-Star Games?
It’s no secret that there is no love lost in the rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico, but even their All-Stars get into it during supposed friendlies.
It’s been just over a week since the World Cup final, but we don’t have to wait long for another massive match on home soil. The United States and Mexico had their campaigns cut short in the knockout stages, but now both countries will be back in the spotlight in the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star game.
Renewal of All-Star rivalry
While clubs around Europe are getting ready to start their seasons in the coming weeks, the MLS and Liga MX went right back to business even before the final between Spain and Argentina. Both leagues will take a brief pause for the All Star game between the stars of MLS and the stars of Liga MX.
This is just the fifth edition of this star studded rivalry match, but there have been some great games that were a bit more chippy than an average All-Star game. The rivalry between Mexico and U.S. soccer is well known, and even though the All-Stars don’t necessarily represent the the U.S. or Mexico, they represent their leagues and there is a healthy bit of competition that adds a little fuel to these spectacles.
The two leagues agreed to start this inter-league All-Star game in 2021, and have played every year except in 2023 when the MLS decided to field their All-Star against Arsenal who were on their preseason tour across the U.S. The MLS has won three of these encounters with Liga MX winning just one.
MLS hold edge
The first of these matches, in 2021, went to penalties after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. The MLS won the penalty shootout and took the opening rivalry match between the two leagues. The next year the, MLS won 2-1 before a year respite. Perhaps feeling a little slighted after the MLS preferred to play Arsenal instead of renew the rivalry in 2023, Liga MX got their first win in 2024. It was the biggest win of the All-Star game, with the Mexican All-Star winning 4-1. Last year the MLS took the bragging rights back with a 3-1 win over Liga MX.
It might be a strange time for an All-Star game, especially for the Liga MX players. The Liga MX apertura started on the same weekend as the World Cup final, and they have played three matchdays since. The MLS started back in February, and they are in midseason form but the World Cup forced a month and a half long hiatus while many players went to represent their countries.
This year’s All-Star game will be held on Wednesday, July 29th from Charlotte, North Carolina. Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium is set for 8:00 p.m. ET and can be streamed on Apple TV.
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