Lionel Messi vs Chicharito? MLS vs LIGA MX All-Star game returns for mid-summer North America blockbuster event

The two heavyweight North American leagues are set to return for a mid-summer clash this Summer. The Liga MX All Stars will take on MLS' finest in Columbus, Ohio on July 17.

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In 2021 and 2022, MLS and LIGA MX faced off in the All-Star game, with the Mexican league losing in both instances. The first meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw with MLS winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout, with the following year seeing the Americans claiming a 2-1 win in regulation time. Now, North American rivalries will be renewed, with the 2023 edition of the MLS All-Star game seeing an XI host Premier League powerhouses Arsenal, where they were thrashed 5-0.

The contest will be a premier viewing for fans across both leagues, with it being a preview to the forthcoming Leagues Cup tournament - which will pit both leagues together in head-to-head club competition - later that July.

If Argentina were to make the Copa America final this summer, they would play the championship game on July 14. With just three days between the final and the MLS All-Star game, it's unlikely Lionel Messi would be able to feature in both matches.

But if La Albiceleste exit the competition earlier, we could see Mexico and MLS legend Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, who completed an offseason move to Chivas from LA Galaxy, take on Inter Miami's Argentine hero.

Week two of the MLS season kicks off Saturday with a full day of matches. Liga MX meanwhile is nearly a month into the Clasura campaign with matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday this week.