Son Heung-Min to LAFC Could Rival Messi’s MLS Impact, Asserts Ex-LA Galaxy Star

Son Heung-Min “Elevates the Profile of the Club” Just Like Messi did

According to Moreno, Son gives LAFC a new identity. “He gives L.A. a team that’s always talked about as one of the favorites to win MLS Cup,” he said.

“He gives them a different profile. It escalates and elevates the profile of this club from being a contender to—this is now at a level where we can talk Inter Miami. We can talk LAFC. We can talk Messi on one side and someone on the other side. We have our superstar and the player we can play around.”

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The comparison to Lionel Messi isn’t just for headlines. Messi's arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 turned the franchise from a struggling team into a global brand almost instantly. In his first year, Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup and saw large spikes in merchandise sales as well as ticket demand and viewership around the world.
Messi brought global attention to a club that had been flying under the radar.

Moreno sees the same potential in Son Heung-Min, who’s a star in his own right. With over 100 goals for Tottenham Hotspur and one of the most popular Asian athletes in the world, Son is more than just a good player.

He’ll draw attention from fans in South Korea and other Asian markets, opening up new commercial opportunities for LAFC and MLS.

The big Korean-American population in L.A. only adds to that. Instant community support and media interest. Just like Messi made Inter Miami the team and the league, Son can do the same for LAFC.

Moreno’s point is that it’s not just about adding a good player but also about adding someone who can be the face of the franchise, define the club and bring global relevance. In a crowded league, with a superstar like Son LAFC will be part of the title conversation, along with Inter Miami and Messi.

Also Read: “Messi Is Above MLS”– Former Galaxy Star Slams Garber For ‘Crossing the Line’