MLS All-Stars Set To Battle Liga MX All-Stars At Columbus Crew Home

Cucho Hernandez is confident that top players from MLS and Liga MX will give their all in Wednesday's All-Star Game at Columbus Crew's Lower.com Field. The 28th edition of the MLS All-Star Game will feature a team of Mexican football's best. This marks the third time the game uses an inter-league format.

Hernandez, chosen by his club boss and All-Stars coach Wilfried Nancy, might partner with Denis Bouanga, the 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner. Bouanga has already netted 16 goals this season. Despite his personal achievements, Hernandez emphasises team success, stating: "I try to be as decisive as possible for the team with the players around me, to bring something each day."

Although Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will miss the game due to injuries, Hernandez expects a high-quality contest. He looks forward to playing alongside those he usually competes against. "Nobody holds back," he said. "Even when it's a game of ping pong, you want to win. That's how we are as players."

The MLS All-Stars have had mixed results in recent years. They have only won two of their last seven games since beating Bayern Munich and Tottenham in 2014 and 2015. However, both victories came against Liga MX teams, making them favourites this year due to their attacking talent and experienced players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Luciano Acosta is a standout player for the MLS All-Stars. As FC Cincinnati's talisman and reigning MLS MVP, Acosta has created more chances (82) than any other player in MLS this year. His 26 goal involvements (11 goals, 15 assists) also lead the league.

For Liga MX All-Stars, Salomon Rondon is a key figure. Rondon impressed on US soil earlier this year by helping Venezuela reach the Copa America quarter-finals. He scored three goals at the tournament, ranking joint-eighth for chances created with eight and recording one assist.

Liga MX's Strong Line-Up

Club America coach Andre Jardine will lead the Liga MX All-Stars after winning both Apertura and Clausura titles in 2023-24. Jardine has selected a squad featuring stars like Salomon Rondon, Andre-Pierre Gignac, and Sergio Canales. He acknowledges limited tactical preparation but believes in his team's quality: "We won't be able to do much tactically because we will hardly have training, but there is great quality with these players and we want to win," he said.

The stage is set for #MLSNEXTAllStar game. Watch all the action here: https://t.co/uNfcDe35IH pic.twitter.com/dDCgsubCoz

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 23, 2024

Hernandez enjoys meeting new people during such events: "What I really like is meeting new people. Sometimes you see this level of players on television and say, 'What a player!' or 'What a golazo!' Then he's here beside you and you can chat with him."

The MLS All-Stars defeated their Liga MX counterparts on penalties in 2021 and won again in 2022 with goals from Carlos Vela and Raul Ruidiaz. This history adds excitement to Wednesday's match as both teams aim for victory.

The Stars of Two Leagues pic.twitter.com/ciCuaJWLqs

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 22, 2024

This year's match promises intense competition despite some star absences. Fans can expect thrilling performances from both sides as they vie for bragging rights between two top leagues.