Heung-Min Son just dropped a massive confession that's got everyone talking. The LAFC star openly admitted that Lionel Messi was the main reason he decided to join Major League Soccer. That's right—the Korean captain chose MLS because of one man.
Son didn't hold back when praising the Argentine legend. "I came to MLS just because of Messi. He made the league even bigger, and I've always wanted to be like him," Son said. He went on to call Messi the Greatest Player of All Time and admitted that everything Messi has achieved shaped his own career decisions.
This wasn't just empty praise either. Son's comments show how much Messi's presence has changed the global perception of MLS. When a player of Son's caliber says he joined specifically because of another player, that tells you everything about the league's growth.
Son Is Backing Up His Words on the Pitch
Talk is cheap in football, but Son has been putting in the work. During the 2025 MLS season, he played 13 matches and banged in 12 goals while adding three assists. Those are elite numbers that instantly made him one of the league's most dangerous attackers.
The 2026 season just kicked off, and Son is already making noise. In his first Concacaf Champions Cup appearance, he scored once and created three more goals. Defenders are already struggling to handle him when he gets space, and LAFC fans are loving every minute of it.
For bettors keeping an eye on LAFC this season, Son's form is a huge factor. His early performances suggest he's not slowing down, and with chemistry building in the squad, LAFC looks like a strong pick for league success. Goals are flowing, and that means value in over markets when they play.
What This Means for MLS
Son is 32 years old but still captains South Korea and commands respect across the football world. His career took him through top European leagues before landing in Los Angeles. This move represents more than just a paycheck—it's about competing in a league that now features genuine world-class talent.
The Messi effect is real, and Son is living proof. When top players openly say they're joining MLS because of one superstar, it changes everything. The league's credibility keeps climbing, and more big names will likely follow. For LAFC, having a player who studies greatness and wants to challenge himself means they've got a winner on their hands.
