Major League Soccer will present a new format to your MLS All-Star Game. Instead of matchups with big European clubs, MLS will confront the top celebrities of Liga MX at Banc of California Stadium, home of Los Angeles FC, the team announced.
"Fans have been looking forward to this historical matchup for more than a year, also we don't have any doubt that the 2021 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will prove to be well worth the wait," said MLS's commissioner Don Garber. "A match of this size in Los Angeles, played in front of amazing lovers in one of the best soccer stadiums in global soccer, is unlike anything that our sport has seen. This event is a perfect expression of this groundbreaking partnership which continues to build between MLS and LIGA MX."
This match format was originally set to launch last summer but had to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Atletico Madrid was the All-Star Game player two seasons ago in Orlando, and past opponents contain Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus. This isn't the first time the arrangement has changed. In fact, over the years we've seen teams divide by conferences (East vs. West) and from national and global gamers (MLS USA vs. MLS World).
Facing the best of the best from Liga MX is only the latest example of the growing connection between the Mexican league and MLS. The two leagues have long battled from the CONCACAF Champions League, and in 2018 the league champs fulfilled from the inaugural Campeones Cup, where Tigres beat Toronto FC.
This decision makes sense for a variety of reasons, especially since Liga MX is the most popular soccer league in the United States with regard to viewership. Los Angeles is a huge Mexican and Mexican-American hub, which means it would not be a shock to find a virtually packed arena at Banc of California Stadium, based on how they handle the fan situation. Mexican celebrity Javier Hernandez of the LA Galaxy characters to play part as well with his hot start to the season, catching seven goals in seven games.
