Liga MX All-Star Game Roster Stacked for Messi Duel

Liga MX All-Star Game headline names

Liga MX All-Star Game organizers have unveiled a star-laden 30-man squad that will cross the Rio Grande to face Lionel Messi and the MLS All-Stars on 23 July at Austin’s TQL Stadium. Mexican-American winger Alejandro Zendejas, veteran defender Sergio Ramos and Colombian playmaker James Rodríguez headline a roster that blends global pedigree with domestic flair.

How the squad was chosen

Fourteen places went to recent Balón de Oro winners, while another 14 were hand-picked by Liga MX coaches to reward standout form in the 2024-25 season. Two commissioner selections remain open, adding intrigue before kickoff.

Liga MX All-Star Game history favors Mexico

Last summer, Liga MX humbled MLS 4-1, and the league now chases back-to-back bragging rights in the cross-border showcase. The revamped roster boasts 500-plus combined international caps, with Ramos alone bringing World Cup and Champions League experience that could steady the back line against Messi’s magic.

Key match-ups to watch

• Zendejas vs. Jordi Alba on the flank
• Ramos marshaling the penalty area against Messi’s late runs
• Rodríguez pulling strings opposite MLS creator Thiago Almada

Austin set for festival atmosphere

TQL Stadium’s 26,000 seats sold out within hours, and organizers expect record streaming numbers via MLS Season Pass. Beyond the pitch, joint community events and skills challenges will celebrate North American football’s rapid growth.

Final two wild cards

Rumors link Mexican prodigy Marcelo Flores and América striker Julián Quiñones with the vacant commissioner slots. Confirmation is due by early July.

Opinion

Liga MX’s willingness to mix marquee imports like Ramos with homegrown talent shows a smarter roster strategy than MLS’s star-centric model. If chemistry builds quickly, another Liga MX All-Star Game victory seems more likely than not.