Superstar Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) challenges the throne of the "emperor" Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami).
LAFC will face champion Inter Miami in the opening round of the 2026 MLS on the 22nd at 11:30 a.m. (Korean time) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California.
The big U.S. showdown between Son Heung-min and Messi is expected to explode in popularity. Originally scheduled to be held at LAFC's home ground, BMO Stadium, the match was moved to the Memorial Coliseum, which holds 77,000, to expand the stage for the big match billed as "Son Heung-min vs. Messi."
Last season Son Heung-min recorded 12 goals and four assists in 13 MLS matches, leading the team to eight wins, one loss and four draws. Son made a strong impression from the preseason. In the first leg of the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup held recently, Son scored one goal and provided three assists against Honduran team Real España, leading to a 6-1 victory.
Messi's influence remains tremendous. Inter Miami showed how decisive Messi's influence was by beating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 in last season's MLS Cup final.
During the 2025 regular season, Messi (29 goals, 19 assists) broke records by winning both the Golden Boot and MLS MVP. In the final, beyond statistics, he led the team to the title with play that moved the whole team. He pressured opponents at decisive moments, stealing the ball as he moved between attack and defense. That led to his assist for Rodrigo De Paul's winning goal. Messi showed not only tactical acumen but also the ability to read the flow of the game and guide the team to the right positions.
Coach Javier Mascherano said after the match, "Messi was excellent throughout the season. The pressure he showed in the last few games in particular instilled a will to win in the team. He played decisive roles when needed, and even when he didn't touch the ball often he has the power to lead the team. That is why he is the greatest of all time."
Now Miami is preparing to open its new dedicated stadium, Miami Freedom Park. Situated at the center of a $1 billion mixed-use development project, the stadium can rightly be called "the house Messi built." The club ranked first in Forbes' MLS club valuations at $1.35 billion.
Coach Mascherano emphasized, "Messi's presence made a decisive contribution to the club's growth. sporting success led to an improved club image. The club's goal and vision are to grow every day and reach higher goals every day." The mark Messi left on Miami goes beyond simple titles and records; it is a "holistic influence" that has elevated the entire club.
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