South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min has written his first golden chapter in Major League Soccer. On Saturday night, in a thrilling clash against FC Dallas, the new signing for the Los Angeles FC delivered in style. With the pressure of being one of the biggest names to arrive in the league this season, Son silenced any doubts with a moment of brilliance that electrified fans in California. But the comparison with Lionel Messi inevitably lingers.
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.
Son Heung-Min #7 of LAFC controls the ball during the MLS soccer game between FC Dallas and Los Angeles Football Club
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.
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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.
