LAFC forward Heung-Min Son praised Lionel Messi’s impact on Major League Soccer as a key reason for his own transfer to the league. Son’s team secured a convincing 3-0 victory over reigning MLS champions Inter Miami during their season opener on Sunday at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
After the match, Son told reporters that Messi has long served as an inspiration throughout his career, stating that sharing a playing field with the legendary Argentine is a privilege. The South Korean international acknowledged that Messi’s presence in the MLS has influenced his outlook on the league and his own playing career.
“We are lucky to be from the same generation as Lionel Messi, to be able to follow his career and his incredible moments. He has always inspired me, and his presence here in the American league has changed my perspective and my feelings. It’s an honor to share the field with him”, he said (via @intermiamicfhub on X).
Son’s MLS debut season and impact in LA
Heung-Min Son ended a decade playing in England last summer when he left London to join Los Angeles Football Club. The quick-paced forward immediately made an impact, scoring 12 goals and contributing three assists in 13 appearances during the 2025 season. Despite Son’s strong individual performance, his team was unable to claim the title as Inter Miami clinched the MLS championship. Messi’s contributions helped earn him a second consecutive MVP award, solidifying his high status in the league.
Before the recent clash between LAFC and Inter Miami, Son emphasized that he was focused on the team effort rather than a personal duel with Messi. His side’s dominant win over the reigning champions was a clear statement of intent for the new season’s competitions.
Messi struggles as Inter Miami falls short against LAFC
During the 2026 MLS season opener, Lionel Messi started and played the full match for Inter Miami as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to LAFC in front of approximately 75,000 fans in Los Angeles. Despite some earlier injury concerns, the 38-year-old completed the game but was unable to influence the result significantly.
Heung-Min Son assisted David Martinez’s opening goal in the 38th minute before Denis Bouanga, a former Inter Miami target, doubled the lead in the 73rd minute. Nathan Ordaz sealed the win in stoppage time by converting a Bouanga cross.
Messi had several attempts, creating three chances and taking four shots, yet he had limited overall effectiveness. He won only half of his direct battles on the field, made just four touches inside the LAFC penalty area, and failed to register a shot on target during the match.
Implications of the opening match for the MLS season
This opening defeat highlights the competitive nature of the MLS season ahead, with LAFC making a strong early statement by defeating the reigning champions. Heung-Min Son’s ties to both the league and Messi underscore how the Argentine’s involvement has influenced fellow players and raised the level of competition. As the season continues, the rivalry between these top teams and the influence of key figures like Messi and Son will shape the landscape of American soccer.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2025444169271873661
