What Happened at the All-Star Skills Challenge Between Liga MX and MLS?

🎉 A Night for Fun… and Fierce Competition

Austin, TX – What began as a friendly, light-hearted event featuring top players and celebrity guests quickly escalated into an intense showdown between MLS and Liga MX. The night was full of flair, technical brilliance, and viral moments.

One of the night’s most anticipated guests was YouTuber and influencer IShowSpeed, who wowed the crowd not only with his energy but with surprising football skills, proving he’s more than just an entertainer.

🎯 Shooting Challenge: Accuracy in Motion

The opening challenge tested the players' ability to hit a series of stationary and moving targets for points.

• MLS: Lindsey Heaps, Evander, and Diego Luna

• Liga MX: Luan García, Nicki Hernández, and Canales

Lindsey Heaps led the charge for MLS, racking up points early. Although Canales helped Liga MX close the gap, Evander’s finishing touch secured the win in this opening round.

Score: MLS 1 - 0 Liga MX

✨ Touch Challenge: Control and Composure

In the second challenge, each team had four players: two delivering crosses from opposite ends and two receiving players tasked with controlling the ball and aiming at high-value targets.

• MLS: Evander, Dreyers, Lindsey Heaps, and Surridge

• Liga MX: Nicki Hernández, Zendejas, Brian Rodríguez, and Brunetta

This time, Liga MX shined with clean touches and well-placed shots, showing composure under pressure to tie things up.

Score: MLS 1 - 1 Liga MX

⚡ Cross & Volley: Flair and Firepower

This event focused on individual skill and finishing, with Gilberto Mora and veteran Ángel Sepúlveda representing Liga MX, and Denis Bouanga stepping up for MLS.

The real standout, however, was the Austin FC goalkeeper, who delivered clutch saves and helped keep the score tied in a thrilling volley contest.

Score: MLS 2 - 2 Liga MX

🧠 Passing Challenge: Precision is Key

MLS and Liga MX legends, Clint Dempsey and Oribe Peralta, joined their respective sides in this test of pinpoint passing accuracy toward targets of varying distance and size.

Despite a close effort from Liga MX, MLS edged out the victory with cleaner execution and sharper placement.

Score: MLS 3 - 2 Liga MX

🥶 Crossbar Challenge: Decided by Inches

The final showdown was the classic Crossbar Challenge—players attempted to hit the crossbar from midrange and, ultimately, long distance. The first to land four medium-range hits and one long-range shot would win the final point.

Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka emerged as the hero, landing the fifth and final strike that sealed the Skills Challenge title for MLS.

🏆 Final Score: MLS 4 - 2 Liga MX

MLS claimed the 2025 All-Star Skills Challenge with a 4-2 victory over Liga MX. Beyond the scoreline, the night was packed with thrilling highlights, big personalities, and a clear message: North American soccer talent is deeper and more competitive than ever.