Son Heung-min received great news before his debut, creating an effect like Messi

Son Heung-min creates Messi-like effect

The American press calls Son Heung-min the best Asian football player of all time, his appearance in the Los Angeles FC shirt is causing a huge stir among the Korean community in the United States.

Photo: Reuters

Immediately after signing a long-term contract until 2029 with a record transfer fee in the history of MLS (American professional soccer league), 26.5 million USD (more than 694 billion VND), the No. 7 jerseys with Son Heung-min's name of Los Angeles FC are becoming the best-selling item. Thereby, helping this team to start making a profit soon.

"Son Heung-min is expected to create an effect like Messi at Inter Miami. The debut of this player who has just turned 33 is expected to create a huge fever with American fans, after he received a work visa here (on August 9) and is also in the process of completing "immigration procedures", according to Los Angeles FC coach Steve Cherundolo.

Son Heung-min is now eligible to play. He traveled with the entire Los Angeles FC team to Soldier Field to prepare for his debut against Chicago Fire FC (taking place at 8:30 a.m. on August 10, Vietnam time)," journalist Tom Bogert said.

Soldier Field, which has a capacity of 62,500, is expected to be packed with spectators after news broke that Son Heung-min traveled with the entire Los Angeles FC team and was eligible to play, journalist Tom Bogert added.

Photo: Reuters

At Los Angeles FC, Son Heung-min reunited with his former Tottenham teammate, veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. But striker Olivier Giroud has left to return to France to play for Lille.

Son Heung-min is expected to combine well with Los Angeles FC's current number 1 striker Denis Bouanga, who has scored 13 goals this season, to form a sharp attacking duo to compete with Inter Miami's attack led by Messi.

Son Heung-min has scored over 170 goals in all competitions and was a top star in the Premier League during his time at Tottenham. In the US, the Korean player is still considered to be at the peak of his form and in perfect physical condition. Therefore, American fans are very hopeful that he will soon create an attractive competition with Messi, the famous player who has been making football crazy here for over 2 years.

Messi, who has just suffered a minor injury, has returned to training this weekend. However, whether the star player is physically fit to play in Inter Miami's upcoming MLS matches against Orlando City (August 11) and LA Galaxy (August 17) is still up in the air.

It is reported that Messi will be given a rest in these two matches, and will return to the field from the key match in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup when Inter Miami hosts opponent Tigres UANL, which is scheduled to take place at 7:00 a.m. on August 21 (Vietnam time).