Major League Soccer has landed another global superstar. After 10 seasons with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, Son Heung-min has signed with Los Angeles FC for a reported league-record fee of $26 million. But in a surprising revelation, the South Korean international admitted that Lionel Messi played a major role in his decision to leave European soccer for the United States.
Speaking to the club’s official media, Son said that the recent arrival of several top players from Europe caught his attention, but seeing Messi make the move ultimately changed his perspective on elite soccer in America.
“We’re very fortunate that Messi plays soccer in our generation. Watching him play, score so many goals, and come to MLS must have impacted a lot of other players. It also impacted me, for everything he’s done for his club and his country,” Son said.
“He changed my thinking. We’re all already fortunate to be able to watch him play, and I’m very lucky now to be able to share a field with him,” the former Tottenham Hotspur forward added, who signed with LAFC through 2027, with an option to extend his deal until 2029.
Son Hueng-min of Los Angeles Football Club poses on the pitch after he was introduced during a news conference at BMO Stadium. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
For now, LAFC will only get a chance to face Messi and Inter Miami if both teams reach the MLS playoffs. They play in separate conferences and were not drawn against each other in the six random cross-conference matchups for the regular season.
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Son’s first impressions in Los Angeles
At his introductory press conference, Son expressed excitement about the next chapter of his career. “I’m incredibly proud to join LAFC, a club with great ambition in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world,” Son said.
“Los Angeles has a rich history of champions, and I’m here to help write the next chapter. I’m excited for this new challenge in MLS. I’ve come to lift trophies and give everything for this team, this city, and its fans. I can’t wait to get started,” he added.
