MLS All-Stars defeated Liga MX 3-1 at Austin FC\'s Q2 Stadium on Wednesday night, claiming their 12th midseason showcase victory despite Lionel Messi\'s controversial absence from the match.
Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo, and Brian White scored for MLS in front of a sellout crowd exceeding 20,000 fans. The victory marked the third MLS triumph in four meetings against Liga MX stars.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were voted into the All-Star Game but failed to participate. MLS Commissioner Don Garber declined to confirm whether the players would face league suspensions for skipping the showcase.
The league previously suspended healthy players who missed All-Star appearances, notably Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2018. Both Messi and Alba could face punishment for Inter Miami\'s next match against Cincinnati on Saturday.
Surridge opened scoring in the 28th minute with a header following Denis Bouanga\'s corner kick. The Nashville SC striker, tied with Messi for the MLS Golden Boot lead at 18 goals, beat Liga MX goalkeeper Luis Malagon.
Baribo doubled the lead in the 51st minute after receiving a pass from Diego Rossi. The Philadelphia Union forward\'s right-footed shot found the lower left corner from the center of the box.
MLS pressed high and were opportunistic in counterattacks under Austin FC manager Nico Estevez.
Gilberto Mora pulled one back for Liga MX in the 64th minute, converting Elías Montiel\'s pass from the box. The 16-year-old Club Tijuana sensation provided hope for the substantial Mexican contingent in attendance.
White sealed the victory in the 80th minute with a clinical finish. Vancouver Whitecaps\' striker capped a smooth sequence to restore MLS\'s two-goal advantage and secure the comprehensive victory.
The 2026 All-Star Game will take place in Charlotte at a July date to be determined, likely following the conclusion of the World Cup in North America on July 19.