Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez headline Liga MX All-Stars to face MLS
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This summer's event will see MLS and Liga MX face off for the fourth time in five All-Star Games, further shifting MLS's approach away from booking European opponents as part of their summer preseason preparations. After MLS won the first clash (in 2022) via a penalty shootout and won the 2023 installment outright 2-1, the Liga MX All-Stars got their first victory last summer in a 4-1 rout.
Each league cobbles its All-Star rosters through a variety of means. For MLS, it's a balance of players who are voted in (by fans, media members and active players), selected by the host team's coach (Nico Estevez of Austin FC) and a pair of picks by commissioner Don Garber.
For Liga MX, there's even greater variety. Some, including Mora – the youngest player to ever lift an international trophy by virtue of El Tri's Gold Cup triumph – and Mexico striker Henry Martín, were nominated for Mexico's annual Balón de Oro award. Others were named the best player at their position, including Paulinho (forward of the year), Alexis Vega (attacking midfielder), Agustín Palavecino (defensive midfielder), Jesús Gallardo (full back), Willer Ditta (center back) and Kevin Mier (goalkeeper).
Another 14 players were selected by Club América coach Andre Jardine, who helms the team after being voted Liga MX coach of the year. Jardine ensured the inclusion of Rodríguez, Ramos, Uruguay international Sebastián Cáceres and U.S. international Alejandro Zendejas. Mexican Football Federation president Mikel Arriola will make the final two player selections in the coming days. To date, seven of Mexico's Gold Cup winners will take part, returning to Texas after having lifted the trophy there this past Sunday night.
MLS announced its All-Star squad in late June. Lionel Messi will make his second straight appearance in the spectacle, joined by a less star-fueled roster instead propped up by some of the year's best performers to date. Among the selections are Mexico winger Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano and U.S. international playmaker Diego Luna (who chose to represent the U.S. over Mexico).
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Here is the Liga MX squad to date:
GOALKEEPERS
Luis Malagón – Club América | Balón de Oro nominee
Kevin Mier – Cruz Azul | Goalkeeper of the Year
DEFENDERS
Sebastián Cáceres – Club América | Coach's Selection
Willer Ditta – Cruz Azul | Center Back of the Year
Luan García – Toluca | Coach's Selection
Jesús Gallardo – Toluca | Fullback of the Year
Joaquim Pereira – Tigres UANL | Balón de Oro nominee
Sergio Ramos – CF Monterrey | Coach's Selection
Israel Reyes – Club América | Coach's Selection
Ignacio Rivero – Cruz Azul | Coach's Selection
Carlos Rotondi – Cruz Azul | Balón de Oro nominee
MIDFIELDERS
Roberto Alvarado – Chivas Guadalajara | Coach's Selection
Juan Brunetta – Tigres UANL | Coach's Selection
Sergio Canales – CF Monterrey | Balón de Oro nominee
Rodrigo Dourado – Atlético San Luis | Coach's Selection
Érik Lira – Cruz Azul | Balón de Oro nominee
Elías Montiel – CF Pachuca | Coach's Selection
Gilberto Mora – Club Tijuana | Balón de Oro nominee
James Rodríguez – Club León | Coach's Selection
Marcel Ruíz – Toluca | Coach's Selection
Agustín Palavecino – Necaxa | Defensive Midfielder of the Year
Alejandro Zendejas – Club América | Coach's Selection
FORWARDS
Diber Cambindo – Necaxa | Coach's Selection
Hugo Camberos – Chivas Guadalajara | Newcomer of the Year
Henry Martín – Club América | Balón de Oro nominee
Paulinho – Toluca | Forward of the Year
Brian Rodríguez – Club América | Coach's Selection
Alexis Vega – Toluca | Attacking Midfielder of the Year
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