Major League Soccer announces All-Star game against LigaMX

Major League Soccer has finally announced that the 2021 MLS All-Star game will be played against LigaMX All-Stars on August 25 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.

With more than a year in the making, the event will mark the first time ever that the two rival leagues will go head-to-head. The match will be played midseason, after being forced to postpone last summer’s all-star match due to Covid-19. 

The new cross-border format is the latest clash between Concacaf’s top two leagues after heavy involvement in the Campeones Cup and the Leagues Cup.

“Fans have been looking forward to this historic matchup for more than a year, and we have no doubt the 2021 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will prove to be worth the wait,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a league release.

“A game of this magnitude in Los Angeles, played in front of incredible fans in one of the greatest soccer stadiums in global soccer, is unlike anything our sport has seen. This event is a perfect expression of the groundbreaking partnership that continues to build between MLS and LIGA MX.”

The Mexican league is equally as excited for the collaboration, hoping it will lead to greater things in the future. 

"LIGA MX is proud to be part of the 2021 MLS All-Star Game," said LIGA MX Executive President Mikel Arriola.

"This is going to be an intense match in a fantastic setting and world-class stadium in Los Angeles, a city that has a deep connection to our country, league, players and fans. The 2021 All-Star Game is another step in the partnership we have established between two of the best leagues in the world, and it will only intensify the rivalry between MLS and LIGA MX, and is an important part of the internationalization project of our League to reach more audiences beyond Mexico.

"We are looking forward to playing for the supporters of LIGA MX and giving soccer fans around the world a match they will never forget."

Three-time MLS Coach of the Year Bob Bradley will be leading the American league’s side. In 2019, Bradley inspired LAFC to triumph in lifting the Supporters’ Shield while the team also recorded a new MLS regular season points record. 

“This will be a special night of football in Los Angeles,” said Bradley. “It is always an honor to represent our city and our league on the international stage, and we look forward to competing against the LIGA MX All-Stars.”