Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) returned from Mexico having left another heartwarming story. He even looked out for opponents he may face in the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) CONCACAF World Cup.
Ole USA on the 16th (Korea time) reported, "Erick Lira's Cruz Azul were eliminated by LAFC, and Son Heung-min's humble action was revealed. He explained the situation in a mixed zone interview after the match."
LAFC drew 1-1 with Cruz Azul on the 15th at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico, in the second leg of the 2026 Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions Cup quarterfinals. Having won the first leg 3-0, LAFC advanced to the semifinals comfortably on a 4-1 aggregate score.
Starting up front that day, Son Heung-min played the full match and helped his team reach the last four. Although he had no attacking stats, he played a decisive role in the equalizing goal. In stoppage time of the second half, Son Heung-min threaded a pass into the box, and the subsequent shot resulted in an opponent handball. Penalty kick taker Denis Bouanga calmly converted to make it 1-1.
He was not the captain, but Son Heung-min showed leadership. After the goal he raised his thumb toward his goal. Captain Hugo Lloris also raised his hand and responded with applause.
ESPN also noted, "In the second half, as Cruz Azul took possession, Son Heung-min acted like another coach on the field. From positions far from the opponent's penalty area he actively gave tactical instructions to teammates, and he kept directing them especially on the opponent's set pieces."
Cruz Azul fans also applauded Son Heung-min. Mexican fans are known for passionate behavior that can cross the line with opposing players. In the first leg they even threw water bottles at LAFC players in the closing stages.
But Son Heung-min was different. ESPN reported, "After the match Son Heung-min left Estadio Cuauhtémoc to cheers of 'Sonny! Sonny! Sonny!' Son Heung-min responded with applause and headed to the locker room."
A heartwarming story after the match was also revealed. Cruz Azul captain and Mexican national team defender and defensive midfielder Lira disclosed an anecdote about Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min reportedly approached Lira, who was disappointed by the elimination, and offered consolation.
Lira said, "Son Heung-min is a truly good person. After the game he came over and offered words of encouragement," adding, "He said if God permits, let's meet again at the World Cup. It was really nice that a world-class player recognized me as a player and as a person. We will also move in the same direction," he said, moved.
Like Korea national team captain Son Heung-min, Lira is also highly likely to qualify for the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup. He has grown his presence by taking a central midfield spot amid the absence of Edson Álvarez. With Mexico and Korea set to be in World Cup group A together, there is a good chance the two players will face each other again.
Mexico's De10 Sports emphasized, "Especially considering the 2026 World Cup to be held in a few months and the Mexico national team, this meeting was even more meaningful. This encounter is drawing more attention ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico and Korea are scheduled to meet in the group stage, and this match foreshadowed new stories that will continue off the field."
[Photo] ©Gettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), ESPN, TUDN.
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