SOCCER: Son Heung-min stars in MLS All-Stars' win over Liga MX

CHARLOTTE — Son Heung-Min scored two first-half goals and earned Most Valuable Player honors as the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Stars defeated the Liga MX All-Stars 4-3 on Wednesday night at Bank of America Stadium.

The Los Angeles FC forward found the net in the 20th and 23rd minutes to help the MLS side take control of the match.

"With the amazing players, great players around me, I think it makes the job really easy," Son said. "I did really enjoy it. To score two goals (makes) the night special."

Playing in his first MLS All-Star Game, Son said the MVP award made the experience even more memorable.

"A great game, an MVP always makes it special," he said. "Thank you to the fans for making this an amazing atmosphere."

Philip Zinckernagel and Evander also scored for the MLS All-Stars, while Carles Gil recorded two assists. Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith managed the MLS squad.

Luis Gabriel Rey, Salomon Rondon and Jose Paradela scored for the Liga MX All-Stars. Paradela's goal came during second-half stoppage time, but the visitors were unable to complete a comeback.

MLS goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau of Orlando City made six saves, the highest total among the five goalkeepers who played in the match.

The victory gave the MLS All-Stars four wins in five meetings against the Liga MX All-Stars since the annual series began in 2021.

Several high-profile players from both leagues did not participate after recently competing in the FIFA World Cup, but Son said he still enjoyed spending time with the league's top players.

"I did enjoy (my time) with everybody," Son said. "I'm glad I (met) the greatest players."

Nashville FC midfielder Hany Mukhtar praised Son's performance after the match.

"We all know how good he is," Mukhtar said. "We see it in training. I'm not surprised at what he did."

Liga MX opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Luis Gabriel Rey headed in a free kick delivered by Juan Brunetta.

Son responded with two quick goals before Zinckernagel extended the MLS lead to 3-1 in the 42nd minute after finishing a loose ball inside the penalty area.

Rondon cut the deficit to 3-2 in the 55th minute with a close-range finish, but Evander restored MLS's two-goal advantage three minutes later with a right-footed strike from inside the box.

The match was played at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC and the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

— Field Level Media/Reuters