Luciano Acosta captains the MLS All-Stars against the Liga MX champions in the All-Star Game

The MLS All-Stars took on the best of Liga MX in an exhibition match for bragging rights at Lower.com Field, home of the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew. Fans voted for the players on the night with MLS MVP Luciano Acosta winning the MLS All-Star Captain Fan vote presented by Captain Morgan.

The FC Cincinnati attacking midfielder wore a special captain’s armband designed by Captain Morgan and Columbus artist Adam Hernandez. Acosta has captained the last two MLS All-Star teams, a special honor after being voted on by fans. The armband signifies the spirit of the game, the movement of the Hernandez culture, the community and the love of the game.

The MLS All Star Captain Fan Vote presented by Captain Morgan allowed fans to make their voices heard by voting for an honorary captain to lead the best of MLS. The captain is an important part of the All-Star game. By participating in the MLS All-Star Captain Fan Vote, you’re not just supporting your favorite player; you become part of the game itself.

The voting section consisted of the four players who received majority selections as captains in the first round of voting. Acosta beat Lionel Messi, Cristian Arango and Cucho Hernandez. Captaining the MLS All-Stars for two consecutive years in front of a record crowd at Lower.com Field is another highlight of Acosta’s season.

Acosta was announced as the team’s captain on July 19. Perhaps repeating as MLS All-Star captain is a precursor to a repeat of the supporters’ shield. He led the team out onto the field as one of FC Cincinnati’s representatives on the night.

Monterrey’s German Berterame opened the scoring in the 16th minute after a fine header from inside the 18-yard box found the bottom corner. The lead didn’t last long as Diego Rossi assisted hometown favorite Cucho Hernandez a minute later to level the score for the MLS All-Stars. Calls from the stadium announcer “Cucho” were followed by chants of “Hernandez” from the crowd. A good time for the Crew ahead.

Fans on the pitch thought captain Acosta had won an MLS penalty, but the on-field call was overturned by VAR. Argentina had a good link-up from outside the penalty area, but it was Liga MX who took the lead again in the 41st minute thanks to a fine goal by Oussama Idrissi.

Coming off the break, Wilfried Nancy made a number of changes to the side bringing in the likes of Riqui Puig, Federico Bernardeschi, Hany Mukhtar and Denis Bouanga. Puig has been on fire this season for the LA Galaxy, so it was only fitting that he took over the captaincy from Luciano Acosta wearing a special armband.

Copa America 2024 standout, Moise Bombito, did a great job at the start of the second half to block Liga MX’s third goal. A superb effort from Riqui Puig cleared the crossbar in the 63rd minute as MLS looked to have more chances to tie the game.

After that, Liga MX doubled their lead with two quick goals from Juan Brunetta and Maximiliano Meza. LAFC’s Hugo Lloris was caught both times and the lead was unassailable for Nancy’s side.

The MLS All-Stars lost 4-1 to Liga MX’s All-Stars in this year’s All-Star Game. The match served as a good match for the League Cup 2024 which starts on Friday with all the MLS and Liga MX teams fighting for the trophy.

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