Son Heung-min delivered a standout performance in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, scoring twice to help the MLS All-Stars secure a 4-3 win over the Liga MX All-Stars at Bank of America Stadium. The South Korean forward earned MVP honors after netting both goals in the first half.
Additional goals for the MLS side came from Chicago Fire’s Philip Zinckernagel and FC Cincinnati’s Evander da Silva Ferreira. Liga MX found the net through Luis Gabriel Rey, Salomon Rondon, and Jose Pardela.
Son Heung-min Dominates the MLS All-Star Match
Liga MX struck first in the 10th minute when Luis Gabriel Rey headed in a free kick past U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese. Son responded quickly, turning the game around with two goals in just three minutes, both set up by Carles Gil.
The LAFC forward leveled the score in the 20th minute, controlling Gil’s pass before slotting a low shot past Carlos Acevedo. Shortly after, Gil kept the ball in play and delivered another assist, allowing Son to score again and put the MLS All-Stars ahead.
Son celebrated each goal with his signature “camera” gesture and later noted that playing with talented teammates made his job easier. He described scoring twice as a particularly unforgettable moment.
Second-Half Goals Decide the MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars Result
The MLS All-Stars increased their lead before halftime when Philip Zinckernagel scored from a rebound to make it 3-1.
Liga MX pulled one back early in the second half through Salomon Rondon, but Evander da Silva Ferreira restored the two-goal advantage in the 58th minute. Jose Pardela found the net in stoppage time for Liga MX, but the MLS side held on for a 4-3 victory.
Nashville FC midfielder Hany Mukhtar praised Son after the game, calling him a world-class player and stating that his performance was expected.
Lionel Messi Missing After World Cup Run
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi was absent from the All-Star Game after Argentina reached the World Cup final, where they lost to Spain. Messi had tallied 12 goals and eight assists for Inter Miami before the All-Star break.
Both Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul were given excused absences by Major League Soccer.
Charlotte Eyes Women’s World Cup After Hosting MLS All-Star Game
Charlotte hopes that hosting the MLS All-Star Game will boost its bid to become a host city for the 2031 Women’s FIFA World Cup.
The city has seen strong support for Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium received positive feedback after hosting the U.S. men’s national team’s friendly against Senegal. The venue is currently undergoing a $1.3 billion renovation, scheduled for completion by 2030.
Keywords/keyphrases: Son Heung-min, MLS All-Star Game, MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars, Lionel Messi, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, Carles Gil, MLS MVP.