James Rodríguez to Headline MX League vs. MLS All-Star Clash, Set for Liga MX Debut
The highly anticipated showdown between the stars of Mexico’s Liga MX and Major League Soccer (MLS) will feature Colombian international James Rodríguez, confirmed as part of the Liga MX squad. This announcement, made on Wednesday, July 9th, marks a new chapter for the midfielder as he prepares for both this prestigious exhibition match, scheduled for July 23rd at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, and his upcoming debut with León de México.
A Star-Studded Contest
Rodríguez’s inclusion was widely speculated in recent weeks, but is now official. A total of 28 players from the Mexican league have been selected for the contest, with the possibility of two additional call-ups to reach a final roster of 20. The Liga MX team will be coached by André Jardine, recently recognized as the league’s top manager.
The Liga MX stars are aiming to reclaim their dominance in this inter-league competition, having secured a 4-1 victory in the previous edition. However, they suffered defeats against their MLS counterparts in both 2021 and 2022. This year’s match represents the fourth iteration of this cross-border rivalry.
Rodríguez’s Dual Debut
Beyond the All-Star game, Rodríguez is poised to make his Liga MX debut this weekend as León faces San Luis. He joins a León squad already boasting established stars like Sergio Ramos and Sergio Canales, solidifying their position as a force in the league. Rodríguez is the sole representative from León on the All-Star roster.
The Colombian presence doesn’t end with Rodríguez. Fellow countrymen Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), and Diber Cambindo (Necaxa) have also been named to the Liga MX squad.
Facing Messi and MLS Elite
Rodríguez will have the opportunity to compete against some of MLS’s biggest names, including Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, alongside Jordi Alba and Chucky Lozano. The MLS roster, selected through a combination of fan voting, technical staff selections, and commissioner’s picks, features a formidable lineup of its own.
Here’s a look at the full list of players representing the Liga MX:
Goalkeepers: Luis Ángel Malagón (America), Kevin Peace (Cruz Azu)
Laterals: Ignacio Rivero (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Rodolfo Rotondi (Blue Cross)
Central Defenses: Joaquim Pereira (Tigers), Luan Garcia (Toluca), Sebastián Cáceres (America), Sergio Ramos (Monterrey), Willer Ditta (Blue Cross)
Steering Wheels: Agustín Palavecino (Necaxa), Elías Montiel (Pachuca), Erik Lira (Blue Cross), Marcel Ruíz (Toluca), Rodrigo Dourado (Atlético de San Luis), Alejandro Zendejas (America), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), James Rodríguez (León), Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara), Sergio Canales (Monterrey)
Fronts: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Brian Rodríguez (America), Diber Cambindo (Necaxa), Henry Martín (America), Hugo Cambros (Guadalajara)
And the MLS All-Stars:
Archers: Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC), Brad Stuver (Austin FC), YOHEI TAKAKA (VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC)
Defenders: Jordi Alba (Inter Miami CF), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps fc), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United FC), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
Steering Wheels: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), David Da Costa (Portland Timbers), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jeppe Tverskov (San Diego FC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire FC)
Fronts: Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union), Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Chucky Lozano (San Diego FC), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF), Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew), Brandon Vazquez (Austin FC), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Beyond the Match: Skills Challenge 2025
Adding to the excitement, fans will also be treated to Skills Challenge 2025, a competition showcasing the technical prowess of 10 Liga MX players against 10 MLS representatives, held concurrently at Q2 Stadium.
This marks Rodríguez’s first appearance in this All-Star format, and represents a significant moment as he embarks on a new phase of his career in Mexican football. The upcoming weeks promise a thrilling spectacle for fans as they witness the clash of these two prominent leagues and the debut of a global superstar in the Liga MX.
