How results from MLS All-Star Game will impact rest of the season

The final whistle at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin on Wednesday night saw the MLS stars defeat their Mexican counterparts, 3-1, in a comprehensive soccer display. 

The game’s takeaways will impact the season’s second half as FC Cincinnati’s Brazilian star Evander dominated the Skills Challenge, and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, Columbus Crew attacker Diego Rossi and Vancouver Whitecaps netminder Yohei Takaoka all made solid contributions.

Here are four key takeaways that emerged from the All-Star affair:

Miami’s Messi and Alba opt out

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba opted not to play in the game. Both were voted onto the roster and tipped to start the match, but they dodged the chance to face the Liga MX All-Stars. Commissioner Don Garber suspended them from this Saturday night’s showdown versus league leaders Cincinnati and kingpin Evander in Chase Stadium.

“I know Leo Messi loves this league. I don’t think there’s been a player, or frankly just about anyone, who has done more for MLS than Leo Messi has. But we have a long-standing policy that is related to participation for all players. And unfortunately, I had to enforce the policy. It was a difficult decision to make,” Garber told USA Today on Friday.

With well-rested Cincinnati seven points ahead of Miami in the East, the weekend game should provide plenty of fireworks.

LAFC’s Denis Bouanga runs rampant

Going into the All-Star Game, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga looked like one of the league’s best strikers. Born to a French mom and a Gabonese dad, the lightning-quick striker boasted 4.05 successful dribbles per 90 minutes (per FBref), making him MLS’s premier one-v-one strike force.

He didn’t disappoint in the All-Star show either. Bouanga was the home team’s catalyst, dashing down the field on a counterattack to create the MLS's first solid chance. His shot was blocked by Mexican international keeper Luis Malagón, but he corralled the rebound and fed Nashville’s English hitman Sam Surridge for the score. 

LAFC sits in fifth in the Western Conference, but only five points back of division leader San Diego. Bouanga should continue to buoy this LA side, while cross-city rivals, the Galaxy, languish in last place.

Crew’s Diego Rossi remains hot

When the second half opened up after multiple subs, Philadelphia Union ace Tai Baribo ran onto a sweet through pass from Columbus’s Diego Rossi and slid the ball home past sprawling Mexican keeper Malagón.

MLS.com commentator Sacha Kljestan called Rossi “the best and most consistent player on the top team in the East” in May. The Crew enjoyed a brilliant start to the ‘25 season, and Rossi was in the thick of it. His ability to run behind the defense, link up with midfield mates, and deposit the ball in the back of the net make him a feared opponent. The Uruguayan kicked off 2025 with six goals and an assist.

Fourth in the East, just ahead of Miami and behind Philly, the Crew visit Orlando on Friday night.

See you at the bar, Whitecaps keeper Yohei Takaoka

Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka turned into an instant hero after blasting the decisive kick in the “Crossbar Challenge” finale, one of the main events in the MLS’s Skills Challenge. Vancouver also led the league with four All-Star selections.

The Whitecaps are trying to put their season back on track. After one of the best starts in team history, the ‘Caps have lost two straight and four of their last five. Next Wednesday, they’re on the road against the 11^th-place Houston Dynamos, who have their work cut out for them.