MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars: prediction and odds

In North America, there is no equivalent of the Copa Libertadores to settle the debate over which league reigns supreme. The only opportunity to determine the best league comes in the form of the All-Star Game between Major League Soccer and the Liga MX. For the second year running, Lionel Messi will not be on the pitch, yet the roster of marquee names remains as star-studded as ever.

Tactical Analysis

MLS All-Stars: Still Without the Argentine Genius

Before every MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game, the central question always revolves around one man: Will Leo Messi take part? This time, as was the case last year, the answer is no. The Inter Miami talisman, along with his club teammate Rodrigo De Paul, has been granted a rest following the 2026 World Cup. The squad will also be without several other blockbuster names. New Chicago Fire striker Robert Lewandowski did not receive an invitation, nor did reigning champion forward Luis Suárez. Several former European football stars will also miss the showpiece, including Marco Reus of LA Galaxy, Hugo Lloris of LAFC, and Aleksey Miranchuk.

To avoid falling to the Liga MX stars again, as they did in 2024, the coaching staff has decided to shore up the defensive line. Call-ups have gone to USA national team starting defender Tim Ream and Canadian number-one goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. In attack, the fireworks will be provided by Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min, who represent Vancouver and Los Angeles, respectively.

Liga MX All-Stars: Without Their Top Scorers

The upcoming clash between the MLS stars and the Liga MX stars could have been a goal fest, given the abundance of prolific scorers in the Mexican championship. However, key forwards have been left out of Antonio Mohamed's squad for various reasons. Due to injury, Clausura top scorer João Pedro (26 goals in 34 matches for Atlético San Luis) will not play, nor will Apertura's leading goal-getter, Lucas Ocampos of Monterrey. The Liga MX also boasts a wealth of young talent, but the most prominent of them, Gilberto Mora—who has already been capped for Mexico—also finds himself omitted from the roster.

The team's biggest star is veteran Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón. The Pachuca forward is in superb form and shares the status of the season's top scorer with Ocampos. In defense, the long-time leader of the Mexico national team and Toluca stalwart Jesús Gallardo will provide reliability.

Predicted Lineups

MLS All-Stars (4-3-3): Crépeau – Herrington, Ream, Muni, Moreira – Bright, Müller, Gil – Hall, Musa, Son

Unavailable: Messi, De Paul (both – rest), Reus, Suárez, Lloris, Lewandowski (all – not called up)

Head Coach: Dean Smith

Liga MX All-Stars (4-3-3): Acevedo – Reyes, Gallardo, Ditta, Campos – Ruiz, Lira, Paradela – Domínguez, Rondón, Castañeda

Unavailable: Pedro (injury), Mora, Ocampos, Navas (all – not called up)

Head Coach: Antonio Mohamed

Prediction and Bet

Main Prediction: MLS All-Stars to Win @ 2.18

The upcoming match is officially an exhibition, but with each passing year it gains more intensity and takes on the character of a genuine competitive fixture, especially from the Mexican side. In 2024, the Liga MX representatives surprisingly won 4-1. The MLS stars responded swiftly and took their revenge last year. They will not allow the mantle of North America's best to slip away. Between the posts is the reliable Crépeau, the defense is marshaled by the experienced Ream, the midfield is orchestrated by Müller, and the attack features athletic youngsters led by the technically gifted Son. The Mexicans, meanwhile, are deprived of their chief scorers; Rondón is advanced in age by sporting standards, and the main hope rests on players who have only recently returned from the 2026 World Cup. The match takes place in the United States, where the hosts will enjoy greater support. Considering all the personnel factors, backing the MLS All-Stars to win at 2.18 is a solid play.

Total Goals Prediction: Over 4.5 Goals @ 1.81

The MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game has increasingly delivered a high number of goals. Whereas five years ago spectators might have seen a tight 1-1 draw, in the last two years no match has produced fewer than four goals. This time, too, we expect plenty of scoring—the hosts boast many creative players in attack, while the visitors are highly motivated to avenge last year's defeat. A bet on total goals over 4.5 at 1.81 is well worth considering.