Son Heung-min brace lifts MLS All-Stars past Liga MX in 4-3 thriller

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Son Heung-Min netted two goals in quick succession during the first half, leading the MLS All-Stars to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Liga MX All-Stars in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game on Wednesday night.

The LAFC forward celebrated each goal with his signature “camera” gesture, pretending to snap a photo with his fingers. His performance came amid a lively crowd of 35,197 at Bank of America Stadium.

The match started with Liga MX taking an early lead when Luis Gabriel Rey scored a running header off a free kick just 10 minutes in. However, Son quickly turned the tide for MLS.

At the 20-minute mark, he received a pass from Carles Gil on the left flank, settled the ball, and placed a precise shot past the diving Carlos Acevedo to level the score. Just moments later, Son scored again, this time capitalizing on a pass from Gil to put MLS ahead.

Philip Zinckernagel then extended the MLS lead to 3-1 in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound. Liga MX fought back with a goal from Salomón Rondón early in the second half, bringing the score to 3-2. Ferreira’s goal in the 58th minute restored MLS’s cushion, ultimately leading to a final score of 4-3 after Jose Pardela added a late goal for Liga MX.

The highly anticipated match missed star player Lionel Messi, who did not participate after Argentina’s deep run in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Messi has recorded 12 goals and eight assists for Inter Miami this season before taking a leave from the All-Star game.