Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) succeeded in seizing the initiative in front of 'the god of soccer' Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami).
LAFC faced Inter Miami in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, United States, on the 22nd at 11:30 a.m. (Korea time). At the end of the first half, LAFC is leading 1-0.
The match is receiving global attention beyond MLS because it is the stage where Messi, a legend who will remain in world soccer history, and Son Heung-min, a legend of Asian soccer, finally clash. For this reason, the venue was not LAFC's home BMO Stadium but the 77,000-seat Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which can accommodate more fans.
The two, who had met as opponents only twice in their careers while wearing the Barcelona and Tottenham uniforms, met again in the United States eight years after the 2018-2019 season. In their head-to-head record, Messi leads with 1 win and 1 draw. If LAFC wins, it would be Son Heung-min's first victory.
Son Heung-min and Messi started side by side, making the head-to-head possible. Both starting together marked the first time in 2,699 days since the UEFA Champions League group stage match on Oct. 4, 2018. At that time, Barcelona defeated Tottenham 4-2 thanks to Messi's multi-goals.
This time the two legends met in different uniforms. The home team LAFC, led by coach Mark Dos Santos, started in a 4-3-3 formation. Deni Bouanga-Son Heung-min-David Martinez, Marco Delgado-Stephen Eustacio-Timothy Tillman, Eddie Segura-Ryan Fortescue-Enkosy Tapari-Sergi Valencia, Hugo Lloris started in the lineup.
The visiting team Miami, commanded by coach Javier Mascherano, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Hermann Berterame, Tellasco Segovia-Messi-Mateo Silvetti, Yannick Vreight-Rodrigo de Paul, Noah Allen-Mikael-Maximiliano Falcon-Ian Frey, Dane Saint Clair made up the starting lineup.
From the start Son Heung-min had a decisive scoring chance but failed to convert it. In the sixth minute of the first half, he broke behind Miami's high defensive line and Bouanga threaded a through pass. Facing a one-on-one chance, Son hesitated and rounded the goalkeeper, but missed the shooting timing. Bouanga collected the ball and shot, but it was blocked by the goalkeeper's save.
Son Heung-min swallowed his disappointment. In the 14th minute of the first half he earned a good free-kick opportunity near the box and took it himself, attempting a right-footed shot. However, the ball off Son's foot hit the defensive wall, and his follow-up volley also hit a defender and deflected.
Miami tried to control the game by applying strong high pressing overall. Messi produced a sharp pass at times, but aside from that the team lacked precision in the final third. Except for Son Heung-min, LAFC focused on defense and looked for counterattack opportunities.
LAFC scored the opening goal. As always, it started from Son Heung-min's touch. In the 38th minute of the first half, after intercepting the ball in a high position, Son delivered a perfect pass toward Martinez, who was making a run into the wide right space. Martinez struck the net with a precise non-stop shot and celebrated with Son Heung-min.
Both teams exchanged threatening shots. In stoppage time of the first half, Martinez again faced a one-on-one with the goalkeeper on a counterattack. Son Heung-min drew defenders as he ran and opened space, but Martinez's shot narrowly missed this time. Miami sought an equalizer from Messi's left-footed curl from the arc but it grazed past the post.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), LAFC social media.
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