Strikers shine as MLS beats Liga MX in All-Star Game

The Major League Soccer All-Stars defeated their Liga MX counterparts 3-1 in Wednesday's All-Star Game.

Strikers Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo, and Brian White scored to lift the MLS side to victory at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba opted not to play despite being voted into the squad. MLS commissioner Don Garber cited Miami's taxing schedule and recent participation in the Club World Cup as the reason for their absences.

Even without the red-hot Messi, the MLS outfit, coached by Austin FC bench boss Nico Estevez, controlled the contest.

Surridge opened the scoring in the 28th minute. The Nashville striker was left all alone inside the penalty area and headed home a perfect cross from Denis Bouanga.

Surridge, who has 18 league goals this season, is tied with Messi for the MLS scoring lead.

Baribo of the Philadelphia Union doubled the advantage in the 51st minute, racing through the defense and firing a first-time shot into the bottom corner after being played through by Diego Rossi.

That goal stood up as the game-winning tally, and Baribo was named All-Star Game MVP as a result.

Tijuana phenom Gilberto Mora, the 16-year-old midfielder who starred at this summer's Gold Cup for Mexico, scored for the Liga MX All-Stars in the 64th minute. Though Mora made history by becoming the youngest-ever scorer in the MLS All-Star Game, it wasn't enough to inspire a comeback.

Vancouver's White restored the two-goal advantage and sealed the win in the 80th minute with a close-range tap-in.

FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander captained the MLS team. Veteran defender Sergio Ramos, now at Monterrey, wore the armband for the Liga MX squad.

Wednesday's match marked the fourth time MLS has used this format against the Liga MX All-Stars for the midseason showcase. Last year's 4-1 win was the Mexican side's lone victory thus far.