Absolutely! US legend Alexi Lalas claims 33-year-old better for MLS than Messi

Alexi Lalas believes LAFC’s new signing, Son Heung-Min, could surpass Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi as the MLS’s top ambassador.

Messi’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 transformed the league’s global profile, but Lalas, speaking on his State of the Union podcast, sees the South Korean star, who joined LAFC from Tottenham, as a more engaging figure.

Asked if the 33-year-old Son could be a bigger ambassador than Messi, Lalas said,

“I think that’s unquestionable, that he is going to be much more available and upfront.

"As you mentioned, he speaks English, the incredible Korean population that we have, the incredible Korean fans around the world, and not just Korean fans but fans of Son, fans of Spurs, fans of the EPL that have seen him.

"So I think he’s going to have a major impact in terms of visibility, and I think he’s going to add to it because of his availability and his willingness to be out there.

That's not something that Messi has, let’s be honest, ever done. He’s always been a very reticent and private type of star, and his play has always done the talking.”

Son made an immediate impact, assisting Denis Bouanga’s equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire days after his debut, signaling his potential to elevate the MLS.