Son was the driving force behind LAFC’s dominant 6-0 victory over Orlando City SC, delivering a stunning performance on Saturday. With four assists on the night, the South Korean star matched an MLS milestone previously reached only by Messi.

The performance made Son just the second player in MLS history to record four assists in a single half of a single game, a remarkable achievement that placed him at the top of the 2026 season assist leaderboard with six.

How Son’s assists happened

The match started quickly in the seventh minute when Son broke down the right side and delivered a low cross, but the ball deflected off David Brekalo and resulted in an own goal.

Son’s influence continued to grow, as Denis Bouanga completed a first-half hat trick with goals in the 20th, 23rd, and 28th minutes, all assisted by the South Korean, before Sergi Palencia made it 5-0 in the 39th minute with another assist from Son.

The first goal was officially recorded as an own goal, meaning Son’s involvement in that play did not count as an assist. Even so, his direct impact on five of LAFC’s six first-half goals was undeniable.

When did Messi reach that mark

The only other player to accomplish that feat was Lionel Messi, who in May 2024 delivered not four but five assists in Inter Miami’s 6-2 win over the New York Red Bulls. Unlike Son, Messi recorded all five assists in the second half and also scored, reaching six direct goal contributions in a single MLS game, a record that still stands.

With the event in North America drawing closer, FIFA’s official social media accounts released a video this week showing players from different national teams selecting their favorite legend in World Cup history.

Among them was Son Heung-Min, who did not hesitate in his answer: “Cristiano Ronaldo.” Unlike many of the other players interviewed, the LAFC star did not choose an icon from his own country, instead basing his selection on personal preference and his admiration for the Portuguese forward’s qualities.

This is not the first time Son has highlighted Ronaldo above any other player. In fact, a few months ago, he also mentioned the Portuguese star as an inspiration. “Cristiano Ronaldo has always been my biggest idol and I have grown up watching him when he was playing for Manchester United alongside Park Ji Sun. I still watch him play and he is still my idol,” Son said.

The choices of other players

Other players gave a variety of answers. South Korea star Lee Jae-sung chose a legend from his own country, Park Ji Sung. Others did the same, including Brazil’s Estevao, who picked Ronaldo Nazario, Colombia’s Luis Diaz, who highlighted Radamel Falcao Garcia, and Japan’s Takefusa Kubo, who named Yuto Nagatomo.

Cristiano Ronaldo above Messi in the World Cups?

The debate appears balanced at first glance, considering the names involved. However, there is already a significant difference that likely places each player in his own position. Messi is a World Cup champion and a two-time finalist, while Cristiano Ronaldo reached the semifinals in 2006 but lost and later lost the match for third place.

In Ronaldo’s favor, he is among the players who have appeared in the most editions of the FIFA tournament in history. So far, he has played in five, starting with Germany 2006, and he is tied with players such as Lionel Messi, Lothar Matthaus, Gianluigi Buffon, and Andres Guardado. In fact, this year he could break that record and become the first player to appear in six World Cups, something Messi could also achieve.

Still, this comparison does not analyze the full context. On one side there are Argentina, probably the second or third best national team in history behind Brazil, and on the other side, there are Portugal, a national team that has grown since the arrival of Ronaldo but has not yet reached the same historical level. He has played 22 matches at the World Cup, fifth on the all-time list, recording 8 goals and 2 assists.

Despite the lopsided result, Son made it clear before the game how much he respects Messi, even calling him the greatest player of all time: “I came to MLS just because of Messi. He made the league even bigger, and I’ve always wanted to be like him.”

“Messi has personally influenced me with everything he has achieved in his career. We are lucky to watch Messi play soccer. He is the Greatest Player of All Time.” His comments also shed light on his decision to leave Europe for MLS, citing the Argentine star’s presence as a major factor.

LAFC dismantled the reigning MLS champions with authority, powered by a standout display from Denis Bouanga, Son’s creativity in the final third, and the decisive contribution of Nathan Ordaz, who scored the third goal to seal the result.

Son’s standout performance against Inter Miami

Son and his teammates executed an efficient game plan. Inter Miami began with confidence, attempting to dictate possession through Messi, Silvetti and De Paul in the starting lineup, but LAFC responded with pace and precision in transition. Son repeatedly threatened with bursts of speed, while Bouanga delivered a dazzling performance that ultimately earned him Man of the Match honors.

Although Son did not score, his influence was evident. He provided the opening assist to David Martinez and orchestrated several attacking sequences, frequently combining with Bouanga, who proved unstoppable on the wing. His movement and vision kept Miami’s defense under constant pressure.

How LAFC prepared for Messi

Containing Messi remains one of the most complex challenges in world soccer, and this match was no exception. With Messi in the starting lineup but still regaining rhythm after a recent muscle injury, Inter Miami attempted to impose its possession-based style, while LAFC focused on counterattacks and defensive compactness around the Argentine playmaker.

“We simply prepared for the best version of Messi, and when you prepare for the best Messi near the box, you have to put several players around him,” explained LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos. That collective defensive approach limited Messi’s impact and allowed LAFC to control key moments on their way to a decisive season-opening victory.

The strike marked Son’s first goal for LAFC, coming in just his third match since joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur on August 6. The 33-year-old’s precise execution and flair instantly made an impression among MLS fans and his new teammates.

Although the match in Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, Son’s opener in the sixth minute brought even the home crowd to its feet. His arrival sparked a turnaround for LAFC, who finished third in the Western Conference. In only 10 matches, Son tallied nine goals and three assists, while his jersey became the second-best seller across the entire league — an impressive feat considering he joined late in the season.

The MLS AT&T Goal of the Year has been awarded annually since 1996, recognizing the most outstanding strike of the season through fan voting on the league’s official website.

The form in which Son arrived in MLS

Son joined LAFC after a decade-long run with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, where he scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists in all competitions. During that time, he became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot, accomplishing the milestone in the 2021–22 season.

Messi misses out on the award

Lionel Messi’s nominated goal came against CF Montreal on Matchday 22 of the MLS season. Starting near midfield, the Inter Miami captain weaved through the entire opposing defense before finishing with a spectacular solo strike — a moment many fans believed was worthy of winning the honor.

Despite missing out on the Goal of the Year, Messi still closed the 2025 regular season on a high note, securing his first MLS Golden Boot on the final matchday and adding yet another personal accolade to his legendary career.

De Paul comes in at 84, while LAFC’s new star Son Heung-min takes the second spot with an 85 rating. That makes the MLS top three Messi, Son, and De Paul, with a clear gap separating them from the rest of the league.

Beyond the top three, ratings are much closer. Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Muller, Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets, and LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig all check in at 80 overall. Just below them, Luis Suarez, Marco Reus, Evander, Emil Forsberg, Carles Gil, Denis Bouanga, and Hany Mukhtar each hold a 79 rating.

Other notable players include Jordi Alba, Hirving Lozano, and Aleksei Miranchuk at 78 overall, while Wilfried Zaha, Hugo Lloris, and Roman Bürki have been downgraded to 77. EA Sports FC 26 is set to release on September 26, with several MLS stars seeing notable drops compared to recent editions.

What about Cristiano Ronaldo?

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo comes in with a slightly lower rating than Messi at 85 overall, but he is the highest-rated player in the Saudi Pro League. He shares that rating with notable stars like Iñigo Martinez, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante.

Looking at their history in the Ultimate Team mode, these are the lowest ratings both Messi and Ronaldo have received in the video game. When they were first added in the 2010 edition, Messi had a rating of 91, while Ronaldo was at 93.

When Messi joined Inter Miami, he had a rating of 90 in the 2024 edition, which gradually declined in subsequent releases to his current 86. Ronaldo, meanwhile, started with an 86 rating upon joining Al Nassr and sees his rating drop for the first time in this edition of the game.

The goal was far from ordinary—it was pure genius. Son Heung-Min opened his account with Los Angeles FC through a stunning free kick that sailed into the net beyond the goalkeeper’s reach. The flawless technique, pinpoint accuracy, and composure under pressure reminded everyone why he was considered one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards for years. For Los Angeles, it was the first sign that their new star is ready to leave his mark on the MLS.

The arrival of a world-class talent like Son naturally draws comparisons, and the most obvious one is with the player who redefined the league last year: Lionel Messi. Both joined the MLS as global icons, though under different circumstances and expectations. The immediate question becomes: how quickly did Son adapt compared to the Argentine legend? The numbers provide an intriguing answer.

The South Korean star needed three matches to find the back of the net for the first time in MLS. After making his debut as a substitute and then recording an assist in his second outing, Son struck in his third appearance. The slight delay in his first goal can be attributed to adjusting to a new system and teammates, though his overall impact on the pitch was felt right away.

How long did Lionel Messi take to score his first goal in MLS?

Lionel Messi’s first goal in American soccer was among the most anticipated moments in league history. With Inter Miami, he didn’t require any warm-up period, making an instant impact. His debut strike came just 45 minutes after stepping onto the field in his first match, although that was during the Leagues Cup and not the MLS regular season.

In the league itself, Messi wasted no time either. He found the net against the New York Red Bulls in his MLS debut, scoring in the 89th minute of the game. It meant Messi needed just one league match to make his mark, confirming what many already expected—his transition to the MLS was seamless and explosive.

The contrast between the two stars is fascinating. Messi’s immediacy is almost unmatched, but Son’s free kick masterpiece was a reminder of his extraordinary skill. While Son took longer than Messi to break through, his first goal was pure spectacle, setting the stage for what could be a dazzling chapter in Los Angeles.

Now, with Son and Messi shining on opposite coasts, the MLS enjoys a fresh rivalry between two global icons. Their presence not only elevates their teams in Los Angeles and Miami but also adds new prestige and anticipation to the league as a whole in the months ahead.

Messi is chasing another undisputed MLS MVP award. He currently boasts a goal contribution of 29 — with 19 goals and 10 assists — and is once again pushing to secure one of the league’s most prestigious individual accolades.

However, there may be a new challenger on the horizon. Son may not be in direct competition for the award this season, but his performances suggest he could be a serious contender in years to come. The South Korean forward has already broken a record previously held by Messi and shows every sign of targeting even more milestones.

Son’s arrival in Los Angeles has also had a transformative effect off the field. The city is home to the largest Korean community outside of South Korea, with an estimated 300,000 residents, and the demand to see the former Tottenham forward has sent ticket prices soaring.

What record did Son break?

According to LAFC vice president John Tarrington, Son’s jersey has become the best-selling sports jersey in the world. Wearing the No. 7, he has outsold global icons such as Messi, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.

“This is now the second week where we’re not just talking about the highest-selling soccer jersey in MLS,” Tarrington told talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein. “It is the highest-selling jersey of any sport in the world right now.”

Messi set the MLS record last year by selling 500,000 Inter Miami jerseys in his first month, according to Front Office Sports. However, the outlet reports that Son is on pace to sell nearly 1.5 million jerseys in his first month with Los Angeles — tripling Messi’s total and rewriting the commercial record books.

Despite Lionel Messi scoring in his debut with Inter Miami against Cruz Azul of Liga MX in the 2023 Leagues Cup, the Argentine superstar could not replicate his scoring magic in his first MLS start. Inter Miami faced Nashville SC on August 30th of 2023, and the game concluded in a scoreless draw. In contrast, the LAFC star delivered a crucial assist in his own first MLS start.

Just over two years into his tenure with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has elevated them to the pinnacle of competitiveness. The team transformed from a last-place finisher in the Eastern Conference to topping the league standings last season. Additionally, his influence propelled them to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where it advanced to the quarterfinals before meeting its match against PSG.

Not only has Lionel Messi improved Inter Miami’s competitiveness, but he has also become the team’s all-time leading scorer with 59 goals in 71 games. With his contribution, the Herons have claimed the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2023-24 Supporters’ Shield, the team’s first titles in its history. For this reason, Son Heung-min still faces significant challenges if he hopes to match or surpass the impact that the Argentine superstar has made since his arrival in MLS.

How many goals does Son Heung-min need to become LAFC’s all-time top scorer?

Son Heung-min’s arrival in Los Angeles has been nothing short of revolutionary, as he has even broken a record held by Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer. Although he has already made his debut, he has yet to score his first goal in the league. However, if the South Korean wants to become a legend at LAFC, he will need to break the club’s all-time scoring record held by Carlos Vela.

The Mexican not only became the first franchise player in LAFC history, but also the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 93 goals in 189 games. This presents a tough task for the 33-year-old South Korean. Yet, Son Heung-min has already become the top foreign scorer in Tottenham’s history with 173 goals in 454 games, indicating that surpassing such records is not beyond his reach.

According to LAFC vice president John Tarrington, Son’s jersey is now the best-selling sports jersey in the world. Wearing the No. 7, he has outsold global icons like Messi, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.

“This is now the second week where we’re not just talking about the highest-selling soccer jersey in the MLS,” Tarrington told talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein. “It is the highest-selling jersey of any sport in the world right now”.

Messi set the MLS record last year by selling 500,000 Inter Miami jerseys in his first month, per Front Office Sports. However, the outlet reports that Son is on pace to sell nearly 1.5 million jerseys in his first month with LAFC — tripling Messi’s total.

Until now, Messi had topped the league’s jersey sales chart on four separate occasions this year. But according to Tarrington, Son is expected to claim the No. 1 spot when MLS updates its rankings.

The ‘Son effect’ in Los Angeles

Son’s arrival in Los Angeles has also had a major impact off the field. The city is home to the largest Korean community outside of South Korea, with roughly 300,000 residents, and demand to see the former Tottenham forward has sent ticket prices soaring.

According to The Korea Times, the cost of attending LAFC matches has jumped from $300 to $1,500 since his signing. Still, Tarrington emphasized that the success of Son’s move will ultimately be judged by results on the pitch.

“The wisdom of this move will not be measured by commercial success, it will be measured by trophies and on-field success,” he said. “That’s what we’re really excited about. There’s two sides to it”.

How Son fared in LAFC debut

The 33-year-old forward made his first appearance for LAFC in Week 27 of the 2025 MLS season, coming off the bench in a 2–2 road draw against the Chicago Fire. Entering the match in the 71st minute, Son made an immediate impact — winning a penalty — directly contributing in one of his team’s goals on the night.

The UEFA Super Cup crowns the first champion of the European season, pitting the reigning Champions League winner against the Europa League champion in a one-off match to open the campaign.

PSG claimed last season’s Champions League title in dominant fashion, routing Inter Milan 5–0 in the final at Allianz Arena. Tottenham, meanwhile, captured the Europa League trophy with a 1–0 win over Manchester United in the final at San Mames Stadium.

This will be the first appearance for both clubs in the UEFA Super Cup, as each lifted its respective European trophy for the first time in team history. Son played a key role in Tottenham’s Europa League final victory but will not be available for today’s match.

Why is Son Heung-min not playing for Tottenham?

Son will not be available for today’s UEFA Super Cup final, as he is no longer part of Tottenham, having been sold to LAFC earlier this transfer window for a reported league-record fee of $26 million.

The South Korean forward announced in an emotional press conference on Saturday, August 2, during Tottenham’s pre-season tour, that he would be leaving the club after a decade in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old forward made his official MLS debut on Saturday, August 9, coming off the bench to play just over 40 minutes in a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire FC.

In a recent social media feature for GOAL USA, Son named both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the greatest soccer players of all time. While his response remained neutral, it highlights a departure from his earlier stance on the question. Previously, Son had offered a more definitive opinion on this debate.

With this response, is showing admiration for both soccer legends. Although his playing style is much more similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo in his early days at Manchester United, the South Korean has always shown great respect for Lionel Messi. He even spoke about the Argentine at a press conference with Adidas in 2022. “Standing next to Lionel Messi is like a dream. It is a dream to stand next to the best soccer player in the world.”

This admiration for Messi does not mean Son has changed his idol. In an interview with Sky Sports in April 2025, he stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is his soccer hero. He mentioned watching videos of Ronaldo and dreaming of playing like him. Furthermore, he praised CR7 as a role model as he remains in impressive shape while still scoring goals.

Will Son Heung-min make a bigger MLS impact with LAFC than Lionel Messi with Inter Miami?

With the arrival of Son Heung-min, many fans argue that his signing holds greater significance than the Argentine star’s move to Miami. They justify this claim by highlighting Son’s age, suggesting that at 33, he might enjoy a longer career in the MLS compared to Lionel Messi. However, the Argentine icon has already etched his name in history as Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer, elevating the MLS’s global profile in the process.

Even Son acknowledged Lionel Messi’s profound influence on his decision to join the league. The Argentine star brought immense prestige to MLS as a recent Ballon d’Or winner, making comparisons seem unfair to the South Korean international. Nonetheless, Heung-min has the opportunity to carve his own legacy by becoming a pivotal player for LAFC and leading them to multiple championships.