Lionel Messi is without question the best player in MLS, and if he isn’t, it is a very close call. The only figure who seems capable of matching him right now is Los Angeles Galaxy’s new star, Son Heung Min, whose arrival has caused an immediate impact. Still, Inter Miami’s star remains in pursuit of yet another individual honor.
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.
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“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.
