Heung-Min Son praises Lionel Messi as the inspiration behind his 2025 move to Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC

Los Angeles FC forward Heung-Min Son has credited Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi as the key influence behind his 2025 move to Major League Soccer.

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Son, speaking after LAFC’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami at the weekend, highlighted Messi’s career as a major inspiration. “We are lucky to be from the same generation as Lionel Messi, to be able to follow his career and his incredible moments,” he said.

The South Korean forward added that Messi’s presence in MLS changed his perspective and feelings about playing in the American league.

“He has always inspired me, and his presence here in the American League has changed my perspective and my feelings. It’s an honor to share the field with him,” Son told reporters via X handle @intermiamicfhub.

Son joined LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in 2025, two years after Messi moved to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

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The encounter between the two stars highlighted MLS’s growing profile as a competitive and attractive destination for elite talent.