SEATTLE - Something that was perhaps an open secret became official today, as MLS announced that their 2024 All-Star game will once again feature a matchup against their Liga MX counterparts. The game is set to be played on July, 24 in Columbus, Ohio. As part of the celebrations, there will also be a skills challenge that will see 10 stars from each side compete for the trophy on July 23.
Tickets for both events will go on sale to the public this Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET at MLSsoccer.com/All-Star.
As both leagues continue their on-going partnership that features other competitions such as the Leagues Cup and the Campeones Cup, this will be the third time both All-Star teams face each other, with MLS taking the previous two including the most recent in 2022.
"Our previous encounters set high bars for intensity and competition in All-Star games. The 2024 edition will be a night to remember for Columbus' passionate fans and for audiences around the world," said Camilo Durana, MLS Executive Vice President of Properties and Events.
The make up of the MLS All-Star team will consist of 12 players selected by fan voting, 12 others will be selected by MLS All-Star head coach Wilfried Nancy and the two remaining spots will be selected by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
For Liga MX, the process is a little bit different as half of its selections come from the winners of the league's Balón de Oro awards. The rest of the team is then selected by the Liga MX All-Star head coach, which tends to come from the reigning Liga MX champion. Liga MX's President Mikel Arriola is the one in charge of selecting the 26th and final spot in the roster. More details about the selection process will be announced at a later date.
"It is a privilege to participate in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game for the third time. LIGA MX will bring together its best players to form a competitive team. This will be another chapter of this sporting rivalry, which allows us to continue building a great partnership with MLS," said Arriola during the presentation.
As part of the All-Star break, the city of Columbus will host a number of events including concerts, community service initiatives and even the MLS NEXT All-Star game, showcasing the best young players from MLS academies.
All-Star Week events
- Shooting Challenge
- Touch Challenge
- Cross & Volley Challenge
- Passing Challenge
- Crossbar Challenge
Is third time the charm for Liga MX?
In the previous two All-Star meetings between both leagues, MLS came out triumphant both times. The first meeting took place in Los Angeles in 2021. The match finished 1-1 after regulation with MLS defeating Liga MX 3-2 on the penalty shootout. A year later, goals from Carlos Vela and Raúl Ruidíaz were enough to edge Liga MX stars 2-1 in Minnesota.
All three of MLS' goals against their Liga MX counterparts have been scored by Latinos, as Jesús Murillo's goal in 2021 was enough to take the game to penalties.
In the 33 years that the league has hosted an All-Star game, MLS has came out victorious in 17 occasions. Since 2010, MLS has won only five All-Star games, including the two wins over Liga MX.
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