It is less than a year since Spaniard Nico Estévez joined Austin FC after he had previously coached the other Texan side in the competition, FC Dallas.
The resident of Valencia was selected to lead the MLS team in the All-Star Game 2025 that will be played on Wednesday evening at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
The event is always one of the most expected of the summer football season, mainly because of the recent tensions that have characterized the sport in Mexico and the United States.
The coach will have the responsibility to form a competitive XI to defend the honor of MLS and he will choose 12 players, while another 12 will be involved through a fan voice system. MLS Commissioner Don Garber can also call two players to participate in the All-Star game.
A touch of Austin, Messi and limitations
Among the players called by Estévez is the Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who guarantees a local presence and a direct connection with the home fans. The competition will not only represent a competitive challenge, but will also be the first All-Star game that is played in Austin, which marks a milestone for one of the most passionate football locations in the US.
Prior to the All-Star game, Estévez spoke with the media and was asked what it is like to coach a group from stars?
The Spaniard replied: “We must understand that these players are loaded with games; not only those they played earlier, but those who come afterwards. We have the responsibility to ensure the physical health of these players.”
“It is about building cohesion within the group, so that they can compete, but also have fun. We want to give it a more game-like feeling so that they can communicate, because that is what football is all about.”
Estévez clarified that those players who have planned games for this Friday, about 30 minutes are on the field, while those who play Saturday games will have an extension of 40/45 minutes.
Based on the schedule, the Alex Freeman of Orlando will be in play for a short time, just like Lafc striker Bouanga. If he connects, Leo Messi, Evander and Wagner can play for 45 minutes.
Mutual growth
In addition to the sporting excitement, the All-Star-Game 2025 will show the growth of North American football, both in talent and in playing style. Estévez will want to give his team a clear identity: possession, high pressure and offensive aggressiveness, principles he has promoted with Austin FC since his arrival.
With his sights on revenge – after the victory of Liga MX in the previous edition – Nicolás Estévez is now leading the MLS team that promises to deliver much in terms of excitement if the rivalry between the two competitions does not show any signs of decrease.
“In the history of sport it is always important to have a rival because it helps you to grow and get better. What MLS has done in recent years is to open the eyes of Liga MX to improve in certain aspects; the longer this rivalry goes, the better for both sides,” he said without hesitation.