What Is 2019 MLS All Star Game

Overview

The 2019 MLS All-Star Game marked the 24th edition of Major League Soccer's annual showcase event, highlighting the league’s top talent against an international club. This year’s matchup featured the MLS All-Stars versus Atlético Madrid of Spain’s La Liga, continuing the league’s tradition of hosting global football powerhouses.

Hosted at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, the game drew widespread attention for its high-profile participants and competitive format. Unlike previous editions that used a conference-based selection, the 2019 roster combined fan, player, and coach voting to assemble a league-wide team of stars.

• July 31, 2019: The match took place on this date, marking the mid-season highlight for MLS.
• Exploria Stadium: With a capacity of around 25,500, the venue was nearly filled for the event.
• Atlético Madrid: Represented Spain’s La Liga, bringing international prestige to the exhibition.
• Penalty shootout: After a 1–1 draw, MLS won 3–0 in penalties, securing bragging rights.
• Zlatan Ibrahimović: Scored the opening goal, showcasing his continued impact in MLS.

How It Works

The MLS All-Star Game format alternates between an intraleague showcase and an interleague challenge against a visiting international club. In 2019, the game returned to the international opponent model, last used in 2017 against Real Madrid.

• Selection Process:24-player roster chosen via fan votes (25%), player votes (25%), and coach/manager input (50%), ensuring balanced representation.
• International Opponent:Atlético Madrid was selected as the guest team, reflecting MLS’s strategy of partnering with elite global clubs.
• Game Rules:90-minute match with standard FIFA rules, followed by penalties if tied—no extra time was played.
• Roster Composition: Players from 18 different MLS clubs were represented, led by captains Carlos Vela and Ibrahimović.
• Coaching Staff:James O'Brien, Orlando City’s head coach, led the MLS All-Stars due to his team’s hosting rights.
• Substitutions:10 total subs allowed per team, exceeding standard limits to prioritize player safety and entertainment.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key elements between the 2019 MLS All-Stars and Atlético Madrid:

The table highlights structural differences between the teams, particularly in competitive context. While MLS players were mid-season, Atlético Madrid used the match for pre-season fitness, affecting intensity. Despite this, the game remained competitive, showcasing MLS’s growing credibility on the global stage.

Why It Matters

The 2019 MLS All-Star Game served as a milestone in the league’s international outreach and player development narrative. It demonstrated MLS’s ability to attract world-class opposition and deliver high-quality exhibition matches.

• Global Exposure:Broadcast in over 130 countries, increasing MLS visibility beyond North America.
• Player Validation:Ibrahimović’s performance reinforced that top-tier talent can thrive in MLS.
• Commercial Growth:Record viewership for an All-Star Game boosted sponsorship interest.
• Competitive Benchmark: Beating a La Liga side on penalties showed MLS’s improving technical level.
• Youth Inspiration:Local Orlando youth attended in large numbers, promoting grassroots engagement.
• Future Matchups: Success led to 2020’s planned game vs. Arsenal, before pandemic disruptions.

The 2019 edition solidified the All-Star Game as more than just an exhibition—it became a strategic platform for league growth, player recognition, and international collaboration.