Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez vs Lionel Messi: Liga MX and MLS All-Star rosters revealed
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game promises fireworks, prestige, and a renewed chapter in North America’s most exciting soccer rivalry. But long before a ball is kicked at TQL Stadium in Austin, Texas on July 23, headlines are already swirling — and not just because Lionel Messi will once again don the MLS All-Star jersey. Across the pitch, a formidable Liga MX All-Star squad has been revealed, and it’s packed with household names, international heroes, and rising stars.
What makes this roster even more intriguing is the way it was built. While fans eagerly anticipate the star-studded showdown, the full list of names features legends of the game and the continent’s most in-form talents.
Liga MX approached this year’s All-Star selection with a multi-tiered strategy. The first 14 names came through fan votes, based on the shortlist from the 2025 Liga MX Balon de Oro Awards. The next 14 players were selected by André Jardine, the award-winning Club América coach, who earned the honor of managing this year’s All-Star squad.
The final two spots will be filled by Liga MX president Mikel Arriola, whose commissioner picks are expected in the coming days. Altogether, this creates a 30-man squad, reflecting both popular support and managerial vision.
Big names, bigger expectations
The announcement sparked excitement not just for its structure, but for the names themselves. Former Real Madrid stars Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez headline a team brimming with talent and experience.
“This group blends veterans who’ve won at the highest level with young players hungry to make their mark,” Jardine told reporters during the squad announcement.
Joining Ramos and Rodríguez are seven members of Mexico’s Gold Cup-winning squad, fresh off their triumph against the USMNT. Gilberto Mora, the teenage sensation who became the youngest player to win an international trophy, also features.
Club América, unsurprisingly, dominates the squad list, contributing six players to the roster. They’re followed closely by Toluca and Cruz Azul, each sending five representatives after successful domestic and continental campaigns.
Full roster of Liga MX All-Stars
While the complete list boasts 28 confirmed players, some names stand out: goalkeeper Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul), striker Henry Martín (América), and forward Paulinho (Toluca), who was voted Forward of the Year.
Midfield balance comes from players like Agustín Palavecino (Necaxa), Rodrigo Dourado (Atlético San Luis), and Alejandro Zendejas (Club América), the latter doubling as a U.S. international. Defensively, the experience of Sergio Ramos, Jesús Gallardo, and Willer Ditta gives the backline muscle and leadership.
Messi returns, but MLS goes youthful
On the MLS side, Lionel Messi headlines a younger, leaner roster that mixes rising stars like Diego Luna and Patrick Agyemang with proven performers like Denis Bouanga and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. While Messi’s presence adds glitz, the selection leans more toward form than fame this year.
MLS coach Nico Estevez of Austin FC crafted his squad with an eye on balance and attacking variety, making the duel even more tactically intriguing.