The MLS All-Stars defeated Liga MX at Q2 Stadium on Wednesday after Nashville’s Sam Surridge scored in the first half.
Philadelphia Union forward Tai Baribo was named MLS All-Star MVP after scoring in the 51st minute to re-establish a two-goal lead. The 80th-minute goal by Vancouver Whitecaps striker Brian White gave MLS its third win in four All-Star Games played under this format since 2021.
Gilberto Mora scored Liga MX’s only goal in the 64th minute, becoming the event’s youngest scorer.
Surridge and Lionel Messi lead MLS scoring with 18 goals each. All week, Messi was rumoured to play in the exhibition match, but he didn’t. Jordi Alba, another Inter Miami player, missed the game.
Messi and Alba may be suspended for missing the event, but no formal decision has been made. After Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC broke the Liga MX defence with a surge, Surridge scored in the 28th minute.
On the rebound, Bouanga produced a precise diagonal cross into the six-yard box, where Surridge headed home a strong header after Club America goalie Luis Malagon stopped his initial shot.
Baribo, who has 14 league goals this season fourth behind Messi and Surridge in the MLS Golden Boot race, extended the lead early in the second half before Mora momentarily reignited Liga MX’s hopes White’s late goal ended any comeback.
