MLS thumped by LIGA MX in 2024 All-Star Game, as Cucho Hernandez nets lone home side goal in Columbus

Liga MX proved the dominant side in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, thumping the MLS squad 4-1 Wednesday night in Columbus, Ohio.

A brilliant start to the match featured both teams on the scoreboard in the opening 20 minutes. Liga MX scored first, with German Berterame finding the back of the net in the 16th minute. MLS responded less than 60 seconds later via Cucho Hernandez.

Liga MX then doubled their lead shortly before the halftime whistle through winger Oussama Idrissi to give them a 2-1 lead.

And then second half was all Liga MX.

Juan Brunetta added a third in the 68th minute after the MLS defense imploded on a counter, and a fourth was added not even 60 seconds later as Hugo Lloris was nutmegged on a low-driven effort from Maxi Meza for the final goal of the match.

Both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were ruled out of the 2024 MLS All-Star game due to injury. The Inter Miami stars competed in Copa America 2024, and in the process, sustained injuries that kept them out of participating Wednesday night.

The Liga MX All-Stars attack:

Lighting quick on the counter, cohesion in the final-third and ridiculously clinical finishes all night highlighted the Liga MX showing. They put MLS' defense to bed early in the first half, tucked them in before the halftime whistle, and read them a bedtime story over the final 45 minutes.

Berterame, Brunetta and Meza were sensational, and deserve their plaudits for the effort.

The MLS All-Stars:

Liga MX carved up the defense on all three goals. In an era in which the rivalry is intense, and in which both sides are competitively vying for bragging rights, it was a poor showing from MLS.

Ending the match by conceding three unanswered goals wasn't good enough, and now, heading into Leagues Cup, there appears to be a clear level gap between the two leagues.

First it was the Champions Cup, then the All-Star Game - and now Liga MX has a chance at the treble.

The respective leagues are taking a mid-season break to begin the second edition of the Leagues Cup. Teams will meet next weekend to open the tournament, with MLS side Inter Miami looking to retain their crown in the 2024 campaign.