RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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They might not have had Lionel Messi, but the MLS All-Stars had enough firepower to take down their rival league on Wednesday.
Led by LAFC star Son Heung-Min, the squad defeated the Liga MX All-Stars to win the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, 4-3, in Charlotte. It is a repeat of their win over the same team last year, and their fourth win in five matchups since 2021.
Son was named MVP for the game, 358 days after first signing with LAFC.
Liga MX struck first with a goal from Luis Rey in the ninth minute, but Son responded with a brace in the span of three minutes, both assisted by New England Revolution star Carles Gil.
⭐ Sonny ⭐ Son Heung-Min buries it. // MLS All-Star Game pres. by @Chime pic.twitter.com/koykEzP5hr
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 30, 2026
🎁 Carles Gil assist (again) ⚽ Son Heung-Min goal (again) MLS All-Star Game pres. by @Chime pic.twitter.com/hBSa5VKoJl
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 30, 2026
The Chicago Fire’s Philip Zinckernagel and Cincinnati’s Evander both added goals in the second half, which nullified Liga MX’s comeback attempt. José Paradela cut the deficit to a single goal in stoppage time.
Liga MX had the ball control advantage overall in the game, outdoing MLS in possession time, shots, shots on goal and passes, but that probably doesn’t mean as much in a game where the players know it doesn’t count.
MLS’ biggest draw, Messi, and his teammate Rodrigo De Paul are still out following Argentina’s loss in the 2026 World Cup final, as part of an agreement granting them 21 days of rest following the event . Both were named to the All-Star team, but declined to take part.
That rest period wasn’t a concern with Son, whose South Korean side was stunningly eliminated in group play .
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