Major League Soccer (MLS) has signed another global superstar. After 10 seasons with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, South Korean player Son Heung-min has signed with Los Angeles FC for a record fee of $26 million. However, in a surprising revelation, the international striker admitted that there was one player in particular who convinced him to leave European football to play in the United States.
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It was Inter Miami’s current star and figure, Lionel Messi, who played a key role in bringing Son. Speaking to the club’s official media, the Asian footballer said that the recent arrival of several important players from Europe caught his attention, but seeing Messi make the leap definitely changed his perspective on elite soccer in the United States.
Son Heung-min’s admiration for Lionel Messi
In his statements, the former Premier League player highlighted his admiration for the Argentine star.“We are very lucky that Messi plays football in our generation. Watching him play, score so many goals and come to MLS must have impacted many other players. It also impacted me, for everything he has done for his club and his country. It changed the way I think and now I’m very lucky to be able to share the pitch with him,” said the former Tottenham Hotspur striker, who signed with LAFC until 2027, with an option to extend his contract until 2029.
For now, LAFC will only have the opportunity to face Messi and Inter Miami if both teams reach the MLS playoffs. They play in separate conferences and did not meet in the six random interconference matchups of the regular season.
Son Heung-min’s first impressions in Los Angeles
At his press conference, Son expressed his excitement for the next chapter of his career.“I’m incredibly proud to join LAFC, a club with great ambition in one of the most iconic sporting cities in the world,” Son said, highlighting that Los Angeles teams have a rich history of champions. “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.”
Los Angeles Football Club’s next match will be on Saturday, August 9 against Chicago Fire. However, Son will hardly be active in this match as he adapts to the schedule and style of play of the Los Angeles team. They will then visit the East Coast of the United States to face the New England Revolution and it is likely that Son’s debut will be in front of the Los Angeles public, in their own stadium on the 23rd when they host Dallas FC
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