We have reached the part of the MLS season where teams take a short break as their star players come together to take part in the MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars.
30 players from each league have been selected by fans, coaches and commissioners to represent their league in the mid-season spectacle, which takes place at the Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio this season.
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The biggest news of the MLS All-Star game comes from the fact that star man Lionel Messi will almost certainly miss out on the game, after suffering an ankle injury.
The Argentina and Inter Miami CF captain was forced off during the Copa America final recently and spotted with a hugely swollen right ankle. He has since attended an Inter Miami game and been seen in a protective boot, which suggests he won’t be risked for this non-competitive game.
But coach Wilfried Nancy also has another issue as the league’s top goalscorer, Cristian Arango, is also unavailable after being slapped with a four-game suspension for violating the MLS’ anti-harassment policy.
There is still plenty of quality in the MLS squad however, but the two men who would likely have made up their starting attacking lineup will not be present.
As for Liga MX, they come into this game with players in great form and looking to cause an upset.
Star striker Andre-Pierre Gignac hit 23 goals in 43 appearances during the 2023/24 season, and has already started the 2024/25 season with a goal too. The veteran French striker is likely to lead the line for the Liga MX All-Stars once again.
With another veteran midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos behind him and Oussama Idrissi also in good form, they will be keen to cause an upset and put on a show for the fans while representing their league.
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With some key stars and big names missing out on the game due to injury and suspension, there is room for someone else to step up and grab that spot.
When it comes to players who love the limelight, there are few more than Luis Suarez who at one point in his career was one of the very best forwards on the planet. While he doesn’t have the athleticism he did once upon a time, he does still have the quality and in a game like this it will shine through.
Suarez has so far hit 13 goals in 17 appearances this season for Inter Miami CF, and is likely to get the nod in place of club teammate Messi.
An MLS All-Star has always been the recipient of the MVP award when they’ve faced off against the Liga MX All-Stars, so look no further than the star attacker to get the nod.
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About the Author
Daniel is a football writer who has a great thirst for the Premier League and other major European leagues. A lover of the beautiful game and a firm believer that the eye test is better than statistics. Also an avid MMA fan.
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