A few hours before the expected MLS All-Star Game 2025, Liga MX confirmed an alarming list of absentees that directly affect the balance of the team led by André Jardine. In total, there are seven absences that have forced to reduce the initial call-up of 29 players to only 22 available, without the opportunity to make replacements as allowed by MLS.
Among the most notable absentees are Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez, two of the most media-talked-about names in the squad. According to local reports, Ramos did not make the trip to Texas due to physical issues, preferring to stay and train in Monterrey. James, on the other hand, suffered a muscle strain that left him out of the show. Both international reinforcements had been selected for their track record and attractiveness to the Hispanic market.
América and Cruz Azul, the most affected
Club América also suffers two notable departures:
Henry Martín, one of Azulcrema’s top attacking players, and central defender Sebastián Cáceres, both undergoing rehabilitation at Coapa.
Cruz Azul’s absentees include Ignacio Rivero (rib injury), Erik Lira and Rodolfo Rotondi, who were also unable to make the trip to Austin due to recent physical problems or illness.
Imbalance in key positions
The reduction of the Liga MX roster has left the defensive zone especially weakened.
Jardine will only have five defenders available, a critical number considering they face an MLS side with remarkable attacking power.
The absence of substitutes could also complicate the rotation in a match that is expected to be intense and highly physical.
Among the most notable absentees are Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez
QuéOnnda.com
Unlike Liga MX, the MLS has replenished its ranks.
Players such as Brandon Vazquez and Patrick Agyemang were replaced without inconvenience, which is evidence of a better organizational structure or flexibility in their call-up.
Final list of Liga MX
Goalkeepers:
Luis Ángel Malagón (América)
Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul)
Defenders:
Israel Reyes (América)
Jesús Gallardo (Toluca)
Joaquim Pereira (Tigres)
Luan García (Toluca)
Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul)
Midfielders:
Agustín Palavecino (Necaxa)
Elías Montiel (Pachuca)
Marcel Ruiz (Toluca)
Rodrigo Dourado (Atlético de San Luis)
Alejandro Zendejas (América)
Gilberto Mora (Tijuana)
Juan Brunetta (Tigres)
Roberto Alvarado (Chivas)
Sergio Canales (Monterrey)
Forward:
Alexis Vega (Toluca)
Brian Rodríguez (América)
Diber Cambindo (Necaxa)
Hugo Camberos (Chivas)
Uros Durdevic (Atlas)
Paulinho (Toluca)
Coach:
André Jardine (América)
Rivalry under pressure
This game, which will take place this Wednesday, July 23 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, has historically been a showcase for talent from both leagues.
However, key absences in the Liga MX squad could compromise the intensity of the contest.
MLS, meanwhile, will feature international stars and the stellar reinforcement of Lionel Messi, raising expectations among Hispanic and global audiences.
In spite of the departures, Liga MX maintains outstanding names in its lineup, such as Alexis Vega, Sergio Canales, Zendejas or Juan Brunetta, who will be looking to balance the duel against the powerful MLS team.
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