Cruz Azul Players Exit 2025 MLS All-Star Game Amid Injury Concerns

Cruz Azul players have withdrawn from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, causing a significant impact on the anticipated showcase between Liga MX and MLS stars. The absence of key figures such as Erik Lira, Rodolfo Rotondi, and Ignacio Rivero comes as a blow to the Liga MX All-Stars, while Club América’s Henry Martín and Sebastián Cáceres will also miss out due to injury.

Cruz Azul Players Withdraw from MLS All-Star Game

Cruz Azul’s Erik Lira, Rodolfo Rotondi, and Ignacio Rivero have been confirmed as absentees from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. Head coach Nicolás Larcamón has opted to keep Lira and Rotondi in Mexico, prioritizing the club’s ongoing domestic competitions. Rivero, meanwhile, is currently sidelined with a rib injury, ruling him out of the prestigious All-Star event.

Club América Faces Injury Setbacks

Club América will also be dealing with key losses. Star forward Henry Martín and defender Sebastián Cáceres are unable to compete due to recent injuries. Both players have been central to América’s successes last season, and their absence further diminishes the Liga MX All-Star squad’s attacking and defensive options.

Impact on Liga MX All-Stars’ Lineup

The withdrawal of these high-profile Cruz Azul and Club América players forces the Liga MX All-Stars to adjust their lineup and strategy. With Erik Lira and Rodolfo Rotondi out, the midfield and wing play will rely on alternative options. Rivero’s absence in defense, paired with Cáceres’s injury, means the team’s backline will need rapid reorganization before taking on the best of MLS.

Head Coaches Prioritize Domestic Success

The decision by Cruz Azul’s Nicolás Larcamón to retain his key players reflects a growing trend among Liga MX and MLS managers. With domestic league titles and continental competitions at stake, club priorities often outweigh exhibition matches, even those as highly publicized as the MLS All-Star Game.

What This Means for Fans and the All-Star Experience

For supporters, the All-Star Game is a unique opportunity to see top talents from both leagues share the pitch. However, these recent withdrawals underscore the challenges in assembling full-strength squads for midseason friendlies. Fans will still get to watch emerging stars and potential future legends, but the absence of Lira, Rotondi, Martín, and others may slightly diminish the spectacle.

Looking Ahead: Replacement Options and Future Implications

The Liga MX All-Stars will likely announce replacement players in the coming days, providing new faces with the platform to showcase their abilities on an international stage. This scenario also highlights the importance of squad depth and resilience in both Cruz Azul and Club América’s rosters as they navigate a demanding schedule.

Opinion: All-Star Games and the Balance Between Club and Exhibition

While the MLS All-Star Game remains a fan-favorite, the trend of high-profile withdrawals points to a growing need for organizers to consider club commitments and player welfare. Balancing club ambitions with the desire to put on a show for international audiences is no small task. For Cruz Azul and Club América, safeguarding player health and focusing on domestic and continental success is a sensible move, even if it means the All-Star showcase is missing some of its biggest names. For more updates, visit for more news.