Son Heung-min scored twice to lead the Major League Soccer All-Stars to a 4-3 win over their Liga MX counterparts on Wednesday in the MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte, North Carolina. Los Angeles FC's South Korean star Son struck in the 20th and 23rd minutes to flip the script after Luis Gabriel Rey put the Liga MX All-Stars ahead.
Son's Stellar Performance
Son's performance was pivotal in securing the victory for the MLS All-Stars. After Rey's early goal, Son equalized in the 20th minute with a low shot past goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo, assisted by Carles Gil. He then put the MLS side ahead for good with a spectacular volley just three minutes later, again assisted by Gil.
MLS Dominance Continues
Chicago Fire midfielder Philip Zinckernagel extended the MLS lead in the 42nd minute, sending the MLS side into half-time ahead 3-1. Although Salomon Rondon scored for Liga MX in the 55th minute, Evander restored the two-goal advantage shortly thereafter. The MLS side held on despite a late goal from Jose Paradela in stoppage time.
This victory marks the second straight win for the MLS All-Stars in the mid-season exhibition, extending their record over Liga MX teams to 4-1. Notably, superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate were excused from the game, adding an element of intrigue to the event.
Messi, MLS's biggest draw, has yet to appear in the All-Star Game. His absence this year follows a similar situation in 2023 when he arrived in the league after the All-Star squad had already been announced, and in 2024 when he was sidelined by an ankle injury. Last year, Messi and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one game for failing to participate.
