Son Heung-min stars with brace as MLS All-Stars defeat Liga MX

Son Heung-min delivered a match-winning performance as the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Stars defeated their Liga MX All-Star counterparts 4-3 in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Los Angeles FC (LAFC) forward scored twice in the space of three minutes to turn the match around after Luis Gabriel Rey had given the Liga MX side an early lead.

Son found the net in the 20th and 23rd minutes, earning him the MLS All-Star Game MVP award after a standout display.

“I’m very happy, and I just want to say thank you to everyone,” Son said after receiving the honour.

The 34-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur captain entered the match looking to rebuild momentum after a difficult FIFA World Cup campaign with South Korea, who failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

However, Son has responded strongly since MLS resumed following the World Cup break, scoring three goals in three appearances for LAFC and showing the form that made him one of the league’s biggest attacking threats.

Son’s first goal arrived in the 20th minute when he collected a pass from Carles Gil before calmly firing a low effort beyond Liga MX goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo to level the score.

Just three minutes later, the South Korean forward completed his brace with a stunning volley from another Gil assist, giving the MLS All-Stars the lead.

The MLS side extended their advantage before half-time when Chicago Fire midfielder Philip Zinckernagel scored in the 42nd minute to make it 3-1.

Salomón Rondón pulled one back for Liga MX in the second half, but FC Cincinnati playmaker Evander restored MLS’s two-goal advantage shortly after, with German star Thomas Müller also making his appearance from the bench for Vancouver Whitecaps.

Liga MX continued to push for a comeback, with José Paradela scoring a late stoppage-time goal to create a tense finish, but the MLS All-Stars held on for victory.

The result marked the second consecutive win for the MLS All-Stars in the annual mid-season exhibition and improved their record against Liga MX teams to four victories from five meetings.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate were absent from the event after receiving permission to skip the match following Argentina’s appearance in the World Cup Final.

Inter Miami shared footage on social media showing Messi returning to training with his club teammates, although the date of his competitive return remains uncertain.

Despite being one of Major League Soccer’s biggest global attractions, Messi has never featured in the MLS All-Star Game.

The 2023 All-Star squad had already been selected before Messi joined the league, while an ankle injury prevented him from participating in 2024. Last season, Messi and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended for one match after missing the event without approval.