Historic seems to be the perfect word to describe the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. For many, it might have looked like just another MLS newcomer signing one of the greatest players of all time. But the truth is, the Argentine represented far more than simply bolstering the attack or elevating the league’s prestige. His move was about getting involved with the team beyond the pitch. That involvement was the driving force behind the club’s short-term domestic success — winning their first trophies and attracting other big names. And it’s safe to say the gamble paid off so well that it has now inspired rivals LAFC to offer a similar status to their own recently acquired superstar, Son Heung-Min.
Consider this: after Messi arrived in the summer of 2023, Inter Miami shortly signed his former FC Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, with the following season witnessing the arrival of Luis Suarez as well. Heck, this season, the David Beckham co-owned team brought La Pulga’s national teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, albeit on loan. Such moves only indicate that it’s the 8X Ballon d’Or winner, who is influencing such power moves while sitting with the club board members, and that’s exactly what Los Angeles has in mind.
As per the multiple sources cited by Football Asian, reports suggest that LAFC officials have personally reached out to Son Heung-Min, asking him to share input on potential signings. Be it suggesting former teammates across Europe and the national team or certain names and talents he personally feels can help in the club’s future development, the South Korean international has been given a full say in the matter. So far, no serious discussions have advanced. Yet, the very idea of the LAFC club seeking scouting advice from their new star highlights the level of trust placed in him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The main goal is to build smarter, globally informed connections, something which isn’t being taken lightly by the South Korean media. For instance, Ouylet Sports Dong-a reported a source close to the club saying, “It’s not something you do with an ordinary signing. When a player of Son’s pedigree arrives, you don’t just expect goals – you value his judgement. They know he’s played with and against the best.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Then again, one needs to understand the difference between making a suggestion and actually pulling off a transfer. Of course, the first step would be to see whether LAFC can even afford that suggestion or not. After all, the California-based club won’t be in a position to pay record transfer fees like they did in the case of Heung-Min himself, $26.5m (£21m) to be precise.
Not to mention the MLS’ contract conditions, which, honestly, are quite complex, let alone other personal factors revolving around the player. Even before this step, it would be the scouts, analysts, and coaches’ responsibility to consider whether the suggested name fits in their plans or not.
Then again, what it does show is just how important Son Heung-Min has already become to the club’s plans. Well, he had to, considering the kind of impact he has on the club!
Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports
Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports
Son Heung-Min deserves to remain in the LAFC’s spotlight!
Ever since the former Tottenham Hotspur star made his official debut for LAFC, he has successfully managed to captivate the entire MLS audience. In the seven MLS games he has played so far, the 32-year-old has notched six goals and three assists, one of which also includes a hat-trick. His performance has helped Steve Cherundolo’s side get back into the Western Conference conversation.
That’s not all; the former Hamburg SV star has also brought a significant boost to the club’s commercials and finances. Consider the San Jose Earthquakes’ clash with LAFC, where the 68,000-capacity Levi’s Stadium, also home to the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, drew 50,978 spectators. One shall know that this is the largest crowd ever for a San Jose home fixture.
One shall credit the significant Korean community that is a part of the 9 million-populated Bay Area, as they turned out in big numbers to see Son Heung-Min. Off the pitch, the forward didn’t disappoint either with his humble nature, taking time to greet every supporter outside the team hotel, signing autographs and memorabilia for fans. The last time such an atmosphere was witnessed in this town was when Lionel Messi came.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Forget the local hype! Since his move to LAFC, the South Korean star has topped the merchandise sales across all sports and now holds the second-highest MLS jersey sales after a transfer, trailing only Messi.
“Son Heung-Min effect” for you, ladies and gentlemen!