The MLS has seen some of the best stars join clubs since the mid-2000s, but the impact of Lionel Messi since 2023 cannot be underestimated. Son Heung-min is the latest to heap praise on the Inter Miami captain.
Heung‑Min Son Says Lionel Messi Shifted His View of MLS During LAFC Presser
Messi had the chance to move to the Saudi Pro League or return to Barcelona, but he opted to join the David Beckham co-owned Inter Miami in 2023, when his contract at PSG expired. He has since seen former teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets follow him to the club before retiring in 2025, while Luis Suarez remains a teammate.
The last few transfer windows have brought an influx of top European talent to MLS. Son was among those who moved to the United States, and he has now credited the decision to Messi.
The South Korean spoke to the media after beating Inter Miami in the MLS 2026 season opener, revealing that the Argentine’s decision to join the Eastern Conference side was one of the deciding factors in his transfer. He added that fans are fortunate to watch the Barcelona legend perform every week and said (per Yahoo! Sports):
“We are very lucky to watching Lionel Messi playing football. Same generation watching him playing, scoring so many goals, and joining MLS. I think he will affect so many players, and it also affects me [because] of what he done for his club and for his country. He also changed my mind… I’m very lucky to share the same pitch as him.”
Son joined LAFC in 2025 after the Western Conference side agreed to a $26.5 million move, which remains a league record for an incoming transfer. He signed as a designated player, with a contract through 2027 and an option to extend for another season.
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The forward called it a dream come true in his first presser and said, A dream come true. L.A., what a city. Obviously, I just want to thank the ownership, John [Thorrington, co-president and general manager], Bennett [Rosenthal, lead managing owner], I mean, they’ve been absolutely working so hard to get me here and to join LAFC. I’m here, I’m more than happy, and so, so excited seeing all Korean fans outside there.”
He has since played 15 matches for LAFC in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and assisting eight times.
