FC Cincinnati's Evander shines as MLS wins All-Star Skills Challenge over Liga MX, despite absences from Inter Miami's Jordi Alba and Club Leon's James Rodriguez

AUSTIN, Texas - MLS came out on top in the 2025 All Star Game skills challenge, besting Liga MX, 4-2 across a captivating five-challenge slate on Tuesday night.

MLS took the lead in the first event, with Evander setting a new record with 72 points on the shooting challenge. Liga MX responded, though, as Brian Rodriguez led the way in a convincing touch challenge win. The third posed things nicely, with the honors split in the headers and volley challenge - largely thanks to hometown goalkeeper Brad Stuver making a flurry of saves as time expired.

"It was fun, because I wasn't trying to break the record. To do so was great," Evander said after the match. "I'm really happy because we won today."

USMNT legend Clint Dempsey did his part, appearing for MLS in the passing challenge and teaming up effectively with Evander to steer the momentum. Evander released ping after ping to see MLS through in the passing round to give the hosts a 3-2 lead. There was a chance for one last moment, too. Goalkeeper Yohei Takoaka provided it, floating a ball off the top of the crossbar to secure a win in the final challenge.

Orlando City SC's Alex Freeman, who was participating in his first All-Star experience and skills challenge, praised Evander's efforts.

"The experience was amazing," Freeman said. "It was a great experience to get to know the guys a bit more... Today we were able to win the challenge. We were all happy and we had fun out there...You saw it today [with Evander] he did very good on the shooting challenge. He was very good on all of the things he was doing. He created a lot of stuff so he showed his ability there and I did what I could do to help him."

Although the competition was marked by a fine level of quality, questions remain over ASG participation of MLS and Liga MX stars. James Rodriguez and Jordi Alba were both scheduled to partake in festivities, but neither showed.

There is no definitive answer as to whether either player will partake in the ASG proper Wednesday night. Inter Miami's Lionel Messi has also not appeared in either All-Star training sessions or media day.

Evander turned in a record-breaking showing in the shooting challenge. He hit a duo of 10-point targets to eclipse the record set by Hector Herrera, who had 65 in 2023.

The leagues' rivalry will continue Wednesday night when they face off in the MLS All Star Game. Major League Soccer will be looking to change their fortunes after being seen off, 4-1, last year.