“I came to MLS just because of Messi”: Heung-Min Son explains how the GOAT shaped his Los Angeles FC move

Heung-Min Son has never hidden his admiration for Lionel Messi, but his latest comments have added fresh energy to the MLS season. The Los Angeles FC forward shared that Messi was the main reason behind his decision to join Major League Soccer. At a time when the league continues to grow in global attention, Son’s words highlight how powerful one player’s influence can be.Son’s statement quickly gained traction across social media and soccer platforms. It was more than simple praise. It was a clear acknowledgment that Messi’s career and achievements shaped his thinking about where he wanted to play next. As MLS enters another competitive year, the respect between top players is becoming part of the league’s story. “I came to MLS just because of Messi. He made the league even bigger, and I’ve always wanted to be like him. Messi has personally influenced me with everything he has achieved in his career. We are lucky to watch Messi play football. He is the Greatest Player of All Time.” Those words underline how deeply Messi’s presence has changed the league’s image worldwide.For Son, joining LAFC was not only about a new contract or a new city. It was about competing in a league that features one of the most accomplished players in soccer history. His respect for Messi shows the mindset of a player who studies greatness and wants to challenge himself at the highest level available.Son has backed up his words with performance. During the 2025 MLS season, he played 13 matches and scored 12 goals while adding three assists. Those numbers quickly made him one of the most effective attackers in the league.The 2026 season has only just started, but Son has already stepped onto the field in league play. He did not take long to leave his mark in continental competition either. In the Concacaf Champions Cup, he scored once and set up three more goals in his first appearance. It was the kind of performance that shows why LAFC brought him in. When he gets space, defenders struggle to keep up.Born on July 8, 1992, Son is still the captain of South Korea and remains one of the most respected Asian players in the game. His career has taken him across Europe and now to MLS. This move feels like a fresh chapter, but his mindset has not changed. He wants to compete, improve, and win. If his early performances are any sign, LAFC fans may have plenty to look forward to this season.