"Messi was an important part of deciding to go to LA FC."
It was the intention of Son Heung-min (33, LA FC), who became an `LA man.' LA FC announced the recruitment of Son Heung-min through the club's channel on the 7th (Korea time). The contract period is '2+1+1'. LA FC will be registered as a 'Designated Player' until 2027, with an option to extend it until 2028. It also includes options up to June 2029' The club did not disclose Son's transfer fee and annual salary. In foreign media such as the BBC, the transfer fee is reported to be 20 million pounds (about 36.8 billion won) and the annual salary is more than 10 million dollars, ranking third in MLS.
Son Heung-min, who greeted fans in advance at BMO Stadium in the U.S., where the League Cup match against Tigress, a Mexican club, was held on the 6th, held his first press conference shortly after the official announcement. Son Heung-min's joining ceremony included local politicians such as LA Mayor Karen Bath, LA Representative Dave Min, LA City Councilman Heather Hurt, and Korean Consul General Kim Young-hwan, as well as club officials such as LA FC co-chairman and general manager John Torrington and senior owner Bennett Rosenthal. In the United States, where soccer is not very popular, it is unusual for a big-time politician to be present at a player's joining ceremony. They welcomed Son Heung-min to join LA FC in Korean, such as "Hello" and "Welcome."
Mayor Bath said "Today is a really exciting day for us in L.A. "On behalf of millions of 'Angelino (L.A.)' and soccer fans around the world, Son Heung-min is welcome to LA." I will then declare that "Sony" is officially Angelino," he said, awarding a specially made citizenship card as a gift.
Opening his mouth amid cheers from many fans, Son said, "My dream came true. L.A. is a huge city. I'm here to win." Son Heung-min received love calls not only from the U.S. but also from Saudi Arabia and the Turkiye this summer. He made a surprise confession that `LAFC was not the first option.'
There was a reason why Son Heung-min decided to go to LA FC. The first was the aggressive persuasion of the owner. Son Heung-min said "John changed my mind with the first call after the end of the season. He showed me his vision of where to go" he said.
The second was the presence of former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Son Heung-min shared a meal with Lloris at Tottenham from 2015 to 2023. Lloris was Tottenham's captain at the time. Son Heung-min said "Laurice is still my captain, so I have to say good things. Or I might get in trouble in the locker room," he said with a smile, and talked to him when rumors first surfaced about his trip to LAFC. He told me a good story and helped me decide. I haven't met him yet, but we've had a good relationship. I'm glad to see you again, Captain.
The third was a challenge. Son Heung-min said, `I felt empty deep in my heart because I gave everything to Tottenham, who played for 10 years. I wanted a new challenge to fill it. I'm older than before, but I'm still in good shape. They also have the ability to help the team. I can give advice to young players that will help them grow up as well."
The last was the presence of Koreans. As many as 300,000 to 350,000 Koreans live in LA. Son Heung-min said there are many Koreans in LA and the Korean community is also large. I am very lucky to be able to play abroad as a Korean. The goal is to make them more proud. This has played a major role in cementing my decision."
There was one more reason. It was Lionel Messi. In the summer of 2023, when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, Messi chose to go to the U.S. in a variety of crossroads, including returning to Barcelona and transferring to Saudi Al-Hilal. David Beckham has moved to Inter Miami, where he is the owner.
The entire Major League Soccer came forward for Messi. According to The Athletic, Apple TV+, an online video service (OTT) released by Apple, is responsible for broadcasting MLS for 10 years starting this season, and it has even considered providing Messi with a portion of the revenue from 'Season Pass' (a season broadcast package pass). Adidas, another sponsor sports brand, also came up with a proposal to share profits generated through MLS with Messi.
This shook Messi's heart. According to the BBC, Messi is known to have opened his mind to various conditions for collaborating with big brands beyond lifestyle and soccer. It is not an amount that can be received from Saudi Arabia in terms of profitability through collaboration with giant brands, but it has received a corresponding amount. Above all, a new justification for the development of the U.S. market has been obtained. Messi, who already owned a house in Miami, took on a new challenge.
Messi immediately emerged as an MLS icon. Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Thierry Henry also went to MLS, but not as much as Messi. Messi changed MLS's presence. Messi is showing off his unwavering skills. With Messi dreaming of a leap forward in U.S. football, MLS is raising more hope with Son Heung-min joining.
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Son told ESPN that he was really lucky in that he could watch Messi's soccer. "I've seen him play, score a lot of goals, join MLS in the same generation. Messi will affect a lot of players. I was also influenced by what Messi has done for the club and the national team." Then "I changed my mind. I'm very lucky to play in the same stadium as him."
However, it is unlikely that Son Heung-min and Messi will face off immediately. Son Heung-min's LA FC belongs to the Western Conference, and Messi's Inter Miami belongs to the Eastern Conference. Although there is an interleague, the only way for the two players to face off right away is to reach the top of the conference league and meet in the final. LA FC is currently ranked 6th in the West, and Inter Miami is ranked 5th in the East.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
