Heung-Min Son Credits Lionel Messi for MLS Move, Shines Early at LAFC

Heung-Min Son revealed that Lionel Messi inspired his move to MLS, saying the Argentine legend made the league bigger globally. Now at LAFC, Son has impressed with 12 goals and three assists in 13 MLS matches in 2025. He also contributed one goal and three assists in his Concacaf Champions Cup debut.

When Heung-Min Son decided to move to Major League Soccer, he made it clear that Lionel Messi was the driving force behind that choice. Now playing for Los Angeles FC, Son openly admitted that Messi’s presence in MLS elevated the league’s global profile and influenced his ambition to compete there.

Calling Messi the greatest player of all time, Son emphasized how the Argentine legend’s achievements shaped his own career outlook. Son has supported his words with outstanding performances. In the 2025 MLS season, he featured in 13 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists, quickly becoming one of the league’s most productive attackers.

As the 2026 season begins, he has already made an impression in domestic competition and shone in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, recording one goal and three assists in his first appearance. Born on July 8, 1992, Son remains captain of South Korea and one of Asia’s most respected footballers. His move to MLS marks a new chapter, but his competitive drive and desire to win remain unchanged, giving LAFC fans strong reason for optimism this season.