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EXCLUSIVE: GOAL sat down with the South Korean star to discuss his role as an ambassador, his love for the game and how he wants people to see him

Son Heung-Min scored twice, and the MLS All-Stars overcame some rocky defending to beat the Liga MX All-Stars 4-3 in a chaotic back-and-forth contest. The LAFC man was dominant in his 35 minutes of action, but Dean Smith's side struggled as they rotated and required some late heroics in defense to see off a Liga MX outfit that improved as the game wore on.

Every sport is answering similar questions about its All-Star games, but this week is about something bigger for MLS

Mathys Tel stole the limelight in Australia with a spectacular long-range strike as Tottenham Hotspur continued their pre-season preparations. Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Sydney FC, Roberto De Zerbi's side triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out to secure their third victory of the summer.

Mateus Fernandes' absence from Tottenham's clash with Sydney FC has been explained after rumours the £85m summer signing had suffered an injury. The Portuguese midfielder, who recently completed a high-profile move from London rivals West Ham, had featured in both of Spurs' opening pre-season fixtures before being sidelined for the clash at Allianz Stadium.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed he is recovering after being admitted to hospital for a heart procedure. The 64-year-old was forced to cancel his planned trip to England to join the club’s pre-season training camp following the detection of an arrhythmia.

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways leading up to the All-Star Game.

Joao Pedro scored a dramatic late hat-trick as Xabi Alonso kicked off his Chelsea tenure with a chaotic 6-4 pre-season victory over Western Sydney Wanderers. The Blues showed incredible attacking flair in a 10-goal thriller, but defensive vulnerabilities left the new manager with plenty to ponder.

Chelsea starlet Jesse Derry marked a memorable start to his loan spell with Sporting CP by scoring a sensational goal in a 2–0 pre-season victory over AS Monaco. The 19-year-old winger, who has joined the Portuguese side on a season-long loan, capped the moment by mimicking Cole Palmer's iconic 'cold' celebration.

With the World Cup still lingering in the rear view mirror, the MLS All Star game is in a precarious spot - yet it still carries something of a charm.

Mason Mount has lavished praise on Manchester United's new signing Andrey Santos, describing the Brazilian youngster as a "brilliant" addition to the squad. The former Chelsea captain has taken his fellow ex-Blues star under his wing after the pair impressed during a dominant pre-season display against Rosenborg in Norway.

Manchester United fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of JJ Gabriel, the 15-year-old sensation dubbed 'Kid Messi' within the club's Carrington academy. While the teenager travelled with the senior squad for their recent friendly in Norway, Michael Carrick opted to keep the youngster on the bench, leaving supporters wondering exactly when the starlet will finally pull on the famous red shirt for his competitive debut.

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has described the club's upcoming pre-season friendly against Liverpool at Yankee Stadium as a "punch me moment" as the Welsh side’s incredible rise reaches new heights in New York. The Hollywood star is preparing to watch his Championship outfit take on the Premier League giants in one of the world's most iconic sporting venues.

Lionel Messi will once again be the notable absentee from the MLS All-Star Game this week in Charlotte, but the Inter Miami superstar is set to avoid the disciplinary action that followed his withdrawal last year. Despite being named to the roster for the showpiece event against the Liga MX All-Stars, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been granted special leave alongside international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul.