It is unusual. Son Heung-min's club, Los Angeles FC (LAFC), has been managing his condition since the preseason for a historic big match.
LAFC announced on the 9th (KST) that it had completed its preseason schedule at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
The final match was a showdown with New York City. The result was a 1-1 draw. In the 43rd minute of the second half, the team avoided defeat thanks to a tying goal by main striker Denis Bouanga. However, Son Heung-min did not appear in this match either.
During the preseason, Son Heung-min sat on the bench from the first training match against Bayern Munich U-23. At the time, the prevailing interpretation was, "There is no need to push because the opponent is not the first team."
But afterward he was absent in succession from the matches against the Portland Timbers, the San Jose Earthquakes and New York City, and the situation changed. The key forward, who has not played a competitive match for more than two months, was never tested.
The club repeatedly explained itself. When he missed the Portland match, LAFC said, "Some players, including Son Heung-min, did not take part in the match but are training normally."
After the San Jose match, the club also explained, "Son Heung-min has just started the 2026 season and is preparing for his first full MLS season with LAFC." In fact, he participated in warm-ups and continued high-tempo training by playing 7v7 mini-games with reserve players.
Coach Mark Dos Santos drew a clear line regarding rumors of injury. He emphasized, "Son Heung-min is not injured. He is ready to play in the opener."
Club executives also expressed confidence. Director General John Thorrington said, "Son Heung-min's greatest strength is his influence on players and staff," and evaluated, "He is a unique star who possesses both humility and grace."
But football is ultimately a sport proven on the field. LAFC plans to play a closed friendly against Club Tijuana ahead of the Champions Cup.
This match is effectively the last test in which Son Heung-min can appear in a competitive setting. Coach Dos Santos also did not hide its importance, calling the Tijuana match "the final check."
Still, concerns remain. Immediately after the preseason, LAFC will play the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round against Real España (Honduras).
Then on the 22nd, they will play the MLS opener against Inter Miami CF at the 77,000-seat Los Angeles Coliseum. The opponent includes Lionel Messi. In particular, the season opener between LAFC and Inter Miami will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum rather than the usual BMO Stadium.
The match, originally scheduled to be held at LAFC's home ground BMO Stadium, was moved to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which can accommodate 77,000 people.
The existing stadium has a capacity of about 22,000. It was judged to be far too small to host a mega match.
MLS expanded the stage to make the Son Heung-min-versus-Messi matchup the biggest event in MLS history. It is expected that a crowd far exceeding 70,000 will pour in, setting a new single-game attendance record for an LAFC match.
The MLS single-game attendance record was set in 2023 at the Rose Bowl Stadium for the LA Galaxy versus LAFC derby, when a staggering 82,110 people attended.
Therefore LAFC emphasized that Son Heung-min's decision to miss matches was for condition management. This is the first time in his career that he will enter a split season. Because it is his first experience of resting through the winter, it means the club needs to show consideration.
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