Son Heung-Min’s LAFC Debut: Messi’s Influence Ignites MLS

LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Son Heung-Min made a significant impact in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener, leading Los Angeles FC (LAFC) to a decisive 3-0 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. The highly anticipated match, held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, February 22, drew over 75,000 spectators, marking the second-highest MLS attendance of all time and the largest for an opening weekend. Adding a compelling narrative layer, Son revealed that his decision to join MLS was primarily influenced by Lionel Messi, underscoring the pivotal role global superstars continue to play in elevating the league’s profile and drawing massive viewership.

Son’s performance was exceptional, outshining Messi on the pitch. He recorded his first league assist in the 38th minute, setting up David Martínez for LAFC’s opening goal. Throughout his 89 minutes on the field, Son was instrumental in LAFC’s attack, registering two shots, three key passes, and an impressive 86% pass completion rate. In contrast, Messi attempted four shots and five dribbles but was unable to find the back of the net. Despite his strong showing, Son was substituted just before the final whistle, a decision Head Coach Marc dos Santos later attributed to managing Son’s condition, especially after he missed five preseason matches due to injury. Dos Santos praised Son’s ‘exceptional’ effort and his ability to create space and opportunities, noting his influence was undeniable, with one goal and three assists in a prior Concacaf Champions Cup match and one assist against Miami.

Messi’s Influence on Son Heung-Min’s MLS Move

The Korean captain’s candid admission, “I came to MLS just because of Messi. Messi has personally influenced me with everything he has achieved in his career. We are lucky to watch Messi play football,” provides fresh insight into the motivations of top-tier international players joining MLS. This sentiment highlights Messi’s profound global impact, not only on fan engagement but also on the career choices of fellow elite athletes. Son, who turns 34 in July, has consistently backed his words with performance, having scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 13 matches during the 2025 MLS season, and already making his mark in early 2026 league and continental play.

MLS Navigates Star Power and Growth

The high-profile clash between Son and Messi, along with the record attendance, reinforced a critical ongoing debate within MLS about the importance of brand-name stars. After years of attempting to shed the ‘retirement league’ label and shifting away from a star-driven model based on a 2015 study, the league’s opening weekend demonstrated that players like Messi, Son, and Thomas Müller remain crucial for attracting new fans and enhancing viewership. While MLS has successfully expanded its infrastructure and filled stadiums in cities like San Diego, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Austin, stakeholders recognize that sustained growth requires more than just gameday revenue; it demands a compelling television product and global appeal.

MLS is currently studying a vital overhaul of its roster investment model, aiming to improve team quality and align with the global transfer market. The league board recently voted to flip the calendar, partly to shift its playoffs to a better TV window. However, challenges remain in content production and presentation. For instance, despite the league controlling all production for its Apple TV deal, there was a notable lack of pre-season content or analysis leading up to the 2026 opener. This oversight, as noted by *The Athletic*, raises questions about the league’s strategic investment in promoting its own product, even as it relies on star power for immediate draws.

Son’s Cultural Impact Beyond the Field

Son Heung-Min’s arrival and immediate impact also resonated culturally. During the MLS opener, Son met with renowned South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun, with MLS posting a video of their ‘meeting of Korean legends’ on Instagram. This interaction underscores Son’s significant cultural status and his ability to bridge different spheres of influence, further elevating the league’s visibility beyond traditional sports audiences. His presence is not just about footballing talent but also about brand and cultural cachet.

The confluence of Son Heung-Min’s impressive debut, his explicit motivation to play alongside Lionel Messi, and the record-breaking attendance at the LAFC-Inter Miami match highlights a pivotal moment for MLS. It demonstrates that while the league continues its strategic evolution to enhance overall quality and broadcast appeal, the magnetic pull of global footballing icons remains an indispensable catalyst for immediate fan engagement and broader international relevance.