Heung-Min Son Jokes About Lionel Messi as LAFC Sends a Bold Message Ahead of the 2026 MLS Season

Heung-Min Son returned to a place that defined a major chapter of his career and, without trying to, reignited a global football conversation that blends European nostalgia with American ambition. The South Korean forward, now a marquee figure for LAFC after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, made an emotional visit back to the London club’s stadium for a tribute filled with applause, memories, and gratitude. What began as a personal moment quickly grew into international headlines once his words connected the past with the rapidly evolving present of Major League Soccer.

The visit came at the close of the football calendar and served as a reminder that elite careers are no longer confined to a single league. Son’s move to MLS reflects a broader trend of high-profile players choosing the United States for its sporting projects, commercial growth, and long-term stability. That trend has accelerated dramatically since Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami, lifting the MLS Cup and transforming the league’s global visibility almost overnight.

Inter Miami’s championship run, led by Messi, became an immediate benchmark for ambition across MLS. The club combined results, marketing power, and a fast-growing fanbase to set a new standard. The ripple effect was inevitable: rival clubs began framing their narratives around challenging Miami’s dominance, whether through recruitment, investment, or public messaging. In that context, every comment from star players carries extra weight.

The viral moment emerged during a relaxed reunion with former teammates, including Argentine defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero, in content shared by official club channels and amplified across social media. Laughing, Son joked that he “let Messi win the title,” a light-hearted line that instantly traveled across MLS circles and beyond. While clearly playful, the remark fueled debate about rivalries, hierarchy, and the shifting balance of power in the league.

Reactions were split along familiar lines. Inter Miami fans saw it as harmless provocation, LAFC supporters embraced it as a confident signal, and neutral observers viewed it as proof that MLS has entered a new cultural phase—one where narrative, personality, and global reach matter almost as much as results. In communication terms, the comment showed how MLS now mirrors Europe’s biggest leagues, where storylines often drive engagement alongside performance.

Son reinforced the message by looking ahead, openly suggesting that LAFC can be at the top by 2026. The timing is significant. The league is entering a cycle of squad rebuilds, stadium developments, and strategic investment, with the 2026 World Cup looming as a defining moment for soccer in North America. Framing a potential Son-versus-Messi rivalry gives MLS a face-to-face storyline capable of sustaining attention beyond the initial Messi surge.

From a sporting perspective, LAFC’s challenge will be turning star power into consistency. MLS rewards depth, squad management, and playoff composure, punishing teams that rely too heavily on individuals. With Son as a leader, LAFC gains authority and global spotlight—but also inherits the pressure to deliver against a champion that has already raised the bar.

Ultimately, the episode reflects a deeper shift. MLS is becoming a meeting point for European legacies, global icons, and ambitious long-term projects. Son’s joke does not alter standings, but it perfectly captures the league’s current moment: confident, globally connected, and unafraid to speak its ambitions out loud. With 2026 approaching, the message is clear—the Messi era has challengers, and some are bold enough to announce themselves with a smile.