Former United States international and football analyst, Alexi Lalas, has stirred debate by describing South Korean forward Son Heung-min as the biggest player currently in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Lalas made the statement while comparing Son’s impact with that of global icon Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023. According to him, Son’s ability to connect with fans and teammates gives him an edge, especially as Messi still faces challenges with communication due to not speaking English fluently.
“Messi is undoubtedly the greatest footballer of our generation, but in terms of relatability and direct communication with players and fans, Son is ahead right now,” Lalas noted.
He argued that language is a key factor in leadership and fan engagement, stressing that while Messi’s presence has elevated the league’s profile globally, Son offers a different type of accessibility that resonates with MLS supporters.
The former LA Galaxy defender also predicted that Son’s arrival in the league would boost viewership in Asian markets, further strengthening MLS’ international appeal.
His remarks have sparked reactions among fans, with many debating whether Son has already surpassed Messi as the league’s most influential figure.
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