2025 MLS all-star game: How to watch, key players for MLS, Liga MX
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The eyes of North American soccer will be on Austin when the Major League Soccer all-star team takes on the Liga MX all-stars at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Q2 Stadium.
Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez takes the helm of the MLS all-stars as they try to bounce back from a 4-1 trouncing against Liga MX's best in the 2024 game held in Columbus, Ohio.
As far as local flavor goes, it's Estévez and Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Austin FC forward Brandon Vazquez was originally selected to play by his head coach, but he tore his ACL in a U.S. Open Cup match against San Jose on July 9 and is out for the remainder of the season.
Wednesday will be the fourth time that MLS and Liga MX have faced off. MLS won the first matchup in 2021, 3-2 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw, and won 2-1 in regulation in 2022.
The Liga MX team will be coached by Club America's Andre Jardine.
How to watch the MLS all-star game vs. the Liga MX all-stars
The game will stream for free on Apple TV through MLS Season Pass, the paid service that carries all of the MLS regular season and playoff matches. In 2022, Apple and MLS agreed to a 10-year, $2.5 billion media rights partnership for games to stream on the Apple TV+ platform. It's set for 8 p.m. CT.
The skills challenge streams at 8 p.m. Tuesday on Apple TV. American soccer legend Clint Dempsey is set to participate as a special guest for the MLS team, as well as USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps.
Key players to watch for the MLS
Lionel Messi: The top player for the MLS side needs no introduction and is known all over the world by his last name: Messi. Playing for Inter Miami since entering the league in 2023, Lionel Messi is tied for the MLS lead with 18 goals and has been the crown jewel of the league's marketing campaign. He's the highest-paid player in the league, making more than $20 million in guaranteed money, more than $5 million more than the league's second-highest player, Toronto's Lorenzo Insigne.
Sam Surridge: He's the player tied with Messi for the league lead in goals and has been the heartbeat of Nashville's surge to second place in the Eastern Conference.
Chucky Lozano: The former CF Pachuca star was the first designated player signing in San Diego FC history and will be playing against some former Liga MX foes.
Evander: After moving on from the Portland Timbers to FC Cincinnati, Evander has been one of the league's best at creating scoring opportunities. He has 15 goals and eight assists and has Cincy at the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings for the league's best record.
Brad Stuver: You wouldn't think the local news station would include the Austin guy? Stuver has been one of the most prolific keepers in the league from a saves made standpoint, leading MLS the past two seasons in stops. He finally gets the chance to perform for the MLS all-stars, and he'll do it in front of his hometown crowd.
Liga MX players to watch
Gilberto Mora: The 16-year-old is the youngest player in the game and already has a spot on the Mexican national team. The Club Tijuana midfielder helped lead Mexico to the CONCACAF Gold Cup this past June.
Sergio Ramos: He joined CF Monterrey after a legendary career with Real Madrid and Spain's national team. He's 39 years old, but he showed he's still a force to be reckoned with after becoming the oldest player to score in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
Alexis Vega: He scored 13 goals and had 11 assists to help Toluca win the 2025 Clausura championship. This will be his third all-star game appearance.
James Rodriguez: Like Sergio Ramos, he left Real Madrid in Spain to play in Liga MX for Club Leon.
Luis Malagon: He's helped Club America win three consecutive Liga MX championships as one of the best keepers in the world.