MLS Roundup: Messi Slips, Shapi Sees Red, and Son Extends His Streak
Key talking points from the latest MLS round — goals, controversy, and title-race pressure.
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MLS Roundup: Messi Slips, Shapi Sees Red, and Son Extends His Streak
The latest round of Major League Soccer brought plenty of drama, from Lionel Messi’s stumble in Canada to Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov’s unnecessary red card and Son Heung-min’s unstoppable scoring form.
Shapi’s Red Card Sparks Controversy
Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov had a match to forget with Sporting Kansas City. Subbed on in the 70th minute against LAFC, he lasted just 13 minutes before being shown a straight red card.
His reckless body check on an opponent who had already released the ball triggered near-fights on the pitch. The referee acted quickly, dismissing the Russian winger without hesitation.
Suleymanov’s first MLS season has been a rollercoaster: two goals, three assists, a photo with Messi, and now a red card. Compared to his stints in Greece and Israel, where he served long suspensions, his U.S. stay had been relatively calm — until now.
Inter Miami Drop Points in Toronto
Despite fielding their full set of stars, Inter Miami failed to beat Toronto FC, settling for a 1–1 draw. Jordi Alba set up Tadeo Allende for a header just before halftime, but Toronto equalized after the break.
The result leaves Miami in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. More importantly, Messi’s Golden Boot race tightened:
- Messi: 24 goals
- Dénis Bouanga (LAFC): 23 goals
- Sam Surridge (Nashville): 22 goals
Both Bouanga and Surridge scored again this weekend, putting real pressure on the Argentine.
Son and Bouanga on Fire for LAFC
LAFC crushed St. Louis 3–0 away, powered by Son Heung-min’s brace and a goal from Bouanga. The duo has been electric in recent weeks, combining for all of LAFC’s goals across the last four league matches.
Son’s numbers speak for themselves: 7 goals and 1 assist in his last four MLS appearances, plus two goals with South Korea during the international break. That’s six consecutive games with a goal contribution — already including a hat-trick and now a brace.
After just eight MLS games, the Premier League legend has tallied 8 goals and 2 assists. For many fans, the league seems too easy for him.