It took a long time, too long if you're Don Garber, but MLS and Liga MX will finally have their long-awaited All-Star game exhibition on August 25th from LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium. It will be the first meeting between the two leagues in an All-Star game format, but it won’t certainly be the last.
As the United States, Mexico, and Canada prepare for the 2026 World Cup the two main leagues in Concacaf have been working together to increase brand awareness and capitalize on the growing interest of soccer in the United States. Liga MX is one of the most watched leagues in the U.S., while Major League Soccer has grown at an exponential rate since 1996.
Throw in the long history between the USMNT and El Tri and this MLS All-Star game has the makings of a classic, one which will certainly claim a lot of bragging rights and chest pounding from the diehard MLS and Liga MX fans. The MLS/ Liga MX All-Star game will be watched by millions on UniMás, Fox Sports 1, FOX Sports App, Foxsports.com, Univision NOW. But before the action takes place on Wednesday, take our survey, and let us know who’s got the best team between MLS and Liga MX!
Matt Turner or Guillermo Ochoa
Matt Turner’s stock has risen tenfold since his heroic display for the USMNT in the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. There are serious conversations that the Revolution goalkeeper should be the USMNT number 1 going into qualifying. At the MLS level, Turner was the New England MVP and Supporters Group player of the year in 2020.
Like a fine wine Guillermo Ochoa continues to show his talent at the international level and in Liga MX. Ochoa has proven his worth with El Tri and at stints in Spain, Belgium, and France. At 36, Ochoa is in his prime and commands the two most important nets in Mexico, the National Team and Club America.
Julian Araujo or Juan Escobar
20-year-old Julian Araujo has begun to establish himself as one of the best right backs in MLS, the Galaxy academy player has played in over 50 MLS games and has represented the USMNT, although he has committed to El Tri by filing his one-time switch.
Juan Escobar is as tough as they come, a trait common for players from Paraguay. Escobar will have to step in for the injured Fernando Navarro, and the Cruz Azul man has cemented himself since his arrival to Liga MX in 2019.
Miles Robinson or Matheus Doria
Miles Robinson had a standout Gold Cup for the USMNT and has solidified his spot as one of the best young defenders in the MLS and USMNT program. Robinson might be the next American to move to Europe and has three international goals to his 9 caps.
The Liga MX’s best defender, Matheus Doria was all over the lists of best considerations last season. The Brazilian has over 100 games for Santos and will be tough to beat at the back with his in-your-face defending.
Kai Wagner or Víctor Guzmán
Kai Wagner, now in his third season for the Philadelphia Union, was a huge part of the Union’s Supporters Shield in 2020. The big German is tough and elegant at the back and has to be in the conversation as the best defender in MLS.
Víctor Guzmán can’t complain he was voted the best rookie in Liga MX and has made a big splash for Tijuana in his rookie season. Guzmán has national team potential, but it will be tested by the best in MLS.
Nouhou or Salvador Reyes
The Sounders left back, Nouhou, battled his way from the Sounder’s ranks to become one of the toughest defenders in MLS. Speedy and graceful Nouhou is a handful for any attacker.
Salvador Reyes just made a dream move to America from Puebla and was a nominee for best full back last season. Reyes knows how to distribute the ball out of the back and pressure opponents in defense.
Lucas Zelarayán or Rubens Sambueza
One of the best imports to MLS in the last three years, Lucas Zelarayán helped lift the Columbus Crew to MLS Cup glory last season. While the Crew have dropped off considerably this season the Argentine has not, scoring excellent goals and quickly becoming the man in Ohio.
Fellow Argentine Rubens Sambueza has made a great career for himself in Liga MX, now in his second stint at Toluca the 37-year-old has always been elegant and deadly with the ball at his feet. Despite a career of hotheadedness Sambueza has been one of the best imports in Liga MX in the last decade.
Eduard Atuesta or Fernando Gorriarán
Someone has to defend in the middle and why not the local boy, Eduard Atuesta is one of the best defensive midfielders in MLS. Atuesta should be in Europe and will be there soon with his steady performances for Bob Bradley’s side.
Uruguayan D-Mid Fernando Gorriarán has been a rock in the middle for Santos since his arrival in 2019. Gorriarán was a best XI last season and will look to continue his good form to get back on the Uruguayan national team.
Emanuel Reynoso or Ángel Mena
Emanuel Reynoso has the makings of being an MLS MVP, he certainly looks the part for Minnesota United with his pinpoint passing and dribbling skills. The All-Star game could be a good moment for the Argentine to shine and stake his claim as one of the best in MLS.
Ángel Mena has simply been one of the best players in Liga MX since 2019, his numbers don’t lie, scoring in nearly half of the games the Ecuadorian has played for Leon. Despite his age, 33, Mena has a lot left in the tank.
Carles Gil or Orbelín Pineda
Carles Gil is all over the stat sheets in MLS this season, the league's assist leader with 15 and key passer with 75. Gil has impressed since his arrival in 2019 and after an injury riddled 2020, Gil has bounced back in 2021, BIG!
Added late to the roster, Cruz Azul midfielder Orbelín Pineda has great skill on the ball and passing ability for both club and country. Pineda has 7 titles in his club career and is one of the best midfielders in Liga MX.
Gustavo Bou or Jonathan Rodríguez
Gustavo Bou found a new lease on life in MLS and is having a career year with 12 goals this season. Bou has been lethal for the Revolution up top and has been a top scorer in MLS since his arrival in 2019.
Jonathan Rodríguez is by far one of the top three forwards in Liga MX. The Uruguayan just puts the ball in the back of the net and is one of the most exciting players in Mexico and the Uruguayan national team.
Raúl Ruidíaz or Rogelio Funes Mori
One of the most talented players in MLS, the electric Peruvian Raúl Ruidíaz puts the ball in the back of the net and this season Ruidíaz’s goals have meant so much more considering the injuries to Jordan Morris and Nicolás Lodeiro.
Rogelio Funes Mori is Monterrey’s all-time leading goal scorer and quickly has become Mexico’s best option at forward with 4 goals in 7 games. Funes Mori knows a bit about MLS, having played youth soccer at FC Dallas, the new Mexican international scores a goal every 2 games in Mexico.
