MLS All-Stars Secure Victory Over Liga MX

AUSTIN: At Q2 Stadium on Wednesday, Sam Surridge from Nashville, who currently leads Major League Soccer in scoring, made a significant contribution in the first half. His goal assisted the MLS All-Stars in their 3-1 triumph against Liga MX.

Tai Baribo, a forward for the Philadelphia Union, was recognized as the MLS All-Star MVP following his pivotal goal in the 51st minute, which re-established a two-goal lead for his team.

Brian White, a Vancouver Whitecaps striker, solidified the MLS victory with a late goal in the 80th minute. This marked the third win for MLS in the four All-Star Games played under the current format since 2021.

Liga MX managed to score a single goal, courtesy of Gilberto Mora, who scored in the 64th minute. This achievement also made him the youngest goal scorer in the event’s history.

Surridge and Lionel Messi are still neck and neck for the top spot in MLS scoring, each with 18 goals. The possibility of Messi playing had been a major topic throughout the week, but the celebrated 38-year-old, who has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, ultimately did not participate in the exhibition match. Jordi Alba, another prominent player from Inter Miami, was also absent from the game.

Reports suggest that both Messi and Alba might be suspended for not attending the event, although there has been no official announcement regarding this matter.

Surridge initiated the scoring in the 28th minute after a dynamic run by Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC, which effectively disrupted the Liga MX defense. Bouanga’s initial attempt was blocked by Luis Malagon, the goalkeeper for Club America, but he quickly recovered the ball and executed a precise cross into the six-yard box, where Surridge capitalized with a powerful header.

Baribo, who has accumulated 14 league goals this season and is currently four goals behind Messi and Surridge in the MLS Golden Boot competition, extended the lead early in the second half. Although Mora briefly reignited Liga MX’s hopes, White’s goal in the final minutes ensured that a comeback would not be possible.