NEW YORK, N.Y. (Monday, March 4, 2024) – In a celebration of the top players in North America, Major League Soccer today announced that the 2024 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will feature the MLS All-Stars taking on a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s top soccer league, LIGA MX, on July 24 (8 p.m. ET) at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. The match will be broadcast live exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in English and Spanish.
In addition to the All-Star Game, the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T will provide fans with a uniquely competitive take on the intracontinental rivalry as 10 stars from MLS will take on 10 stars from LIGA MX in the ultimate test of skill. The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge will take place on July 23 (7:30 p.m. ET, broadcast exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV) at Lower.com Field.
The event will include five competitions authentically rooted in the sport: Shooting Challenge presented by AT&T; Touch Challenge presented by Crest; Cross & Volley Challenge presented by AT&T; Passing Challenge presented by Old Spice; and Crossbar Challenge presented by GilletteLabs.
The MLS All-Star Game and MLS All-Star Skills Challenge will be the third meeting of MLS and LIGA MX for an MLS All-Star Week and is part of the groundbreaking partnership between MLS and LIGA MX that also consist of major events on the soccer calendar, including Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup.
"We’re excited to host Liga MX at the 2024 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, showcasing the global and rising stars of our leagues, and the strength of our sport in North America, said Camilo Durana, MLS Executive Vice President of Properties and Events. “Our previous encounters set high bars for intensity and competition in all-star games. The 2024 edition will be a night to remember for Columbus’ passionate fans and for audiences around the world watching on MLS Season Pass.”
"It is a privilege to participate in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game for the third time. LIGA MX will bring together its best players to form a competitive team. This will be another chapter of this sporting rivalry, which allows us to continue building a great partnership with MLS," said LIGA MX President Mikel Arriola. "We are very excited about the opportunity to reconnect and be close to the Mexican fanbase in the United States. I'm sure we'll have a great experience in Columbus."
“It is an honor to host the 2024 MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, which is a truly special opportunity to bring our incredible sport, league, city, and stadium to the world,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “Columbus and Lower.com Field will provide exceptional atmospheres for the competitions between North America’s best soccer leagues and talent, as well as for fans across the globe who will experience our city during this week-long celebration of soccer.”
In addition to the match and Skills Challenge events at Lower.com Field, MLS will host a week of events in Columbus surrounding the game, including concerts, community service initiatives, and player appearances, as well as the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate – a showcase match featuring the best young players from academies in MLS NEXT.
MLS vs. LIGA MX in All-Star Action
The MLS All-Stars have won both previous All-Star Games, winning the inaugural 2021 edition in penalties and also winning the 2022 match 2-1 courtesy of goals from Carlos Vela (LAFC) and Raúl Ruidíaz (Seattle Sounders FC).
In the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, the leagues are currently tied, winning one apiece. LIGA MX won the first installment in 2021, with former Cruz Azul forward Jonathan Rodríguez hitting the magnificent winning shot in the Crossbar Challenge presented by Gillette. MLS took the honors in Minnesota in 2022, leaving the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge to break the tie.
MLS All-Star Roster
The MLS All-Star Roster will consist of 12 players selected by a fan vote, 12 players selected by MLS All-Star head coach Wilfried Nancy, and two players selected by MLS Commissioner Don Garber. More details about fan voting will be shared at a later date. Past MLS All-Stars have included international stars, including Carlos Vela, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Wayne Rooney, as well as U.S. and Canadian national team standouts such as Ricardo Pepi and Alphonso Davies.
LIGA MX All-Star Roster
The LIGA MX All-Star roster will consist of 26 total players. More details about the selection process will be announced at a later date.
The past two LIGA MX All-Star rosters have featured world-class stars, including legendary Club America and Mexico National Team goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, former Cruz Azul forward Santiago Giménez, and Spanish playmaker Álvaro Fidalgo.
Tickets On Sale This Friday
Tickets for the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target and the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T will go on sale to the public this Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET at MLSsoccer.com/AllStar.
For the ultimate fan experience, check out official MLS All-Star Game all-access packages by visiting Ticketmaster or calling the Columbus Crew sales office at 614.447.2739 ext. 3.
