‘The Perfect Signing’ – Son Heung-min’s Messi-like Impact at LAFC

‘The Perfect Signing’ – Son Heung-min’s Messi-like MLS Impact at LAFC

Son Heung-min has exploded onto the Major League Soccer (MLS) scene with Los Angeles FC, delivering a stunning eight goals and three assists in his first nine games—prompting comparisons to Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami and being hailed as a “perfect signing” both on and off the pitch.

From Spurs Doubts to MLS Domination

There were questions over Son’s form at the end of his Tottenham Hotspur career. At 33, some feared he was on the decline. Instead, Son has shown those doubts were premature, settling in instantly at LAFC and spearheading a playoff charge.

“He was on the field immediately… It’s like he’d already been there for months,” said broadcaster Max Bretos.

From day one, Son hit the ground running—debuting off the bench just three days after landing in LA, then starting his second game on artificial turf, where stars usually rest.

Representing LA’s Korean Community

Son Heung-min helped attract a record crowd of more than 50,000 at San Jose last month

Like Carlos Vela before him represented LA’s large Mexican population, Son is now a beacon for LA’s massive Korean-American fan base.

“It was that mix of a really good player who also already had the hearts of the community,” said Trebor Tracy of Angels on Parade.

The Tigers, a Korean-majority LAFC supporter group, welcomed Son as one of their own—and he’s delivered beyond expectation.

Synergy with Bouanga Fuels LAFC Title Hopes

Since Son’s arrival:

• Denis Bouanga has scored 11 goals in 9 games

• LAFC’s last 18 goals have come from either Son or Bouanga

• Bouanga is now tied with Messi atop the Golden Boot race

The chemistry between Son and Bouanga has electrified LAFC’s attack and turned them into MLS Cup favourites heading into the play-offs.

Messi-Level Numbers? Not Far Off

Though Son’s media impact hasn’t eclipsed Messi’s Miami takeover, the numbers are remarkable:

• 200k+ views on his introductory press conference

• 34 billion impressions across social platforms

• Top-selling jersey across all sports, according to LAFC GM John Thorrington

“It’s five or six times the interactions we normally get,” said Bretos. “You can see the impact—it’s huge.”

Even his first goal, a curling free-kick vs FC Dallas, had Spurs fans reminiscing, wondering why he hadn’t been their regular free-kick taker.

Not Just a Star – A Team Player

Unlike some European stars who make MLS about themselves, Son has blended into LAFC’s identity.

“If Ronaldo arrived, it becomes his club. With Son, LAFC is still LAFC,” said Bretos.

This attitude has been key to his success—performing at an elite level while elevating teammates and respecting the club’s culture.

MLS Cup Dreams: Reality or Hype?

With Son’s influence and Bouanga’s firepower, LAFC are now considered genuine contenders for the 2025 MLS Cup. It’s early, but few signings have made such an immediate all-around impact—commercially, culturally, and competitively.

Whether he lifts silverware or not, Son’s MLS journey is already a game-changing story in American soccer.