Son Heung-min Surpasses Lionel Messi With Record- Setting MLS Signing

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 13:48 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The LAFC star won't make his home debut until the end of August at the earliest.

Lionel Messi's Record-Setting MLS Signing: Echoes of Global Stardom and Comparisons to Son Heung-min

In the ever-evolving landscape of world soccer, few events have captured the imagination quite like Lionel Messi's groundbreaking move to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami CF. This transition, announced in the summer of 2023, not only marked a new chapter in the Argentine legend's illustrious career but also set numerous records that have reshaped the league's profile on the global stage. While Messi's arrival has been the focal point, intriguing parallels have been drawn to other international stars like Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min, whose own journey from Asia to European dominance offers a compelling lens through which to view Messi's impact in North America.

Messi's signing with Inter Miami was nothing short of a seismic shift for MLS. The deal, reportedly worth up to $150 million over two and a half years, including salary, bonuses, and equity in the club, shattered previous benchmarks for player compensation in the league. Beyond the financials, it included innovative revenue-sharing agreements tied to MLS's broadcasting deals, particularly with Apple TV's global streaming service. This structure allowed Messi to benefit from a percentage of subscription revenues, a first-of-its-kind arrangement that underscored the league's ambition to leverage superstar talent for exponential growth. The move came after Messi's contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, following a period of speculation that included potential returns to Barcelona or lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, the allure of a family-friendly lifestyle in Miami, combined with the creative deal-making of Inter Miami owner David Beckham—a former MLS pioneer himself—sealed the agreement.

The immediate effects of Messi's arrival were profound. Inter Miami, previously languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, experienced a dramatic turnaround. Messi's debut in the Leagues Cup against Cruz Azul was a spectacle, with his stoppage-time free-kick winner sending shockwaves through the soccer world. He went on to lead the team to their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, scoring 10 goals in seven matches and earning MVP honors. This success not only boosted attendance—Inter Miami's home games saw sellouts and record crowds—but also elevated MLS's visibility worldwide. Viewership on Apple TV surged, with matches featuring Messi drawing audiences comparable to major European fixtures. Globally, merchandise sales skyrocketed, with Messi's pink Inter Miami jersey becoming one of the best-selling sports items of the year, rivaling those of NBA stars like LeBron James.

Comparisons to Son Heung-min add an intriguing dimension to this narrative. Son, the South Korean forward who has become a Premier League icon at Tottenham, represents a similar story of an Asian talent transcending cultural and geographical barriers to achieve superstardom. Like Messi, Son's journey began far from the sport's traditional powerhouses. Hailing from Chuncheon, South Korea, Son moved to Germany as a teenager, honing his skills at Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen before exploding onto the scene in England. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and work ethic have made him a fan favorite, with over 150 goals for Tottenham and a shared Golden Boot win in the 2021-22 season alongside Mohamed Salah.

What links Son and Messi in this context is the theme of global ambassadorship. Just as Son has elevated the profile of Asian players in Europe—paving the way for talents like Japan's Kaoru Mitoma or South Korea's own Hwang Hee-chan—Messi's MLS stint is doing the same for South American and international stars in North America. Son has publicly expressed admiration for Messi, calling him "the best player in the world" in interviews and even sharing light-hearted anecdotes about facing him in international matches. In a recent discussion, Son reflected on Messi's move, noting how it mirrors his own experiences of adapting to new leagues and cultures. "Messi coming to MLS is huge," Son was quoted as saying. "It's not just about the goals; it's about inspiring a new generation. I've seen how my presence in the Premier League has opened doors for Asian players, and Messi will do the same in America."

This parallel extends to the business side of soccer. Son's marketability has turned him into a global brand ambassador, with endorsements from companies like Adidas and Hyundai, much like Messi's deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and now MLS partners. Both players have boosted their respective leagues' international appeal: Son has helped the Premier League penetrate Asian markets, where Tottenham games draw massive viewership, while Messi's presence has attracted fans from Latin America, Europe, and beyond to MLS. Analysts point out that Messi's signing could lead to a "Son-like" effect, where MLS becomes a viable destination for top talents from underrepresented regions, potentially attracting players from Asia, Africa, and elsewhere.

Moreover, the record-setting nature of Messi's deal has sparked debates about the future of MLS. Critics argue that while it brings short-term glamour, the league must build sustainable infrastructure to retain such talent. Proponents, however, see it as a catalyst for growth, similar to how David Beckham's 2007 arrival laid the groundwork for expansion. Inter Miami's plans for a new stadium and academy investments echo Tottenham's state-of-the-art facilities, which have helped nurture talents under Son's influence.

On the pitch, Messi's adaptation has been remarkable, despite the challenges of MLS's physical style and travel demands. He has already notched double-digit goals and assists in league play, helping Inter Miami climb the standings and qualify for playoffs. This mirrors Son's consistency in the Premier League, where he thrives amid high expectations. Off the field, both stars are role models: Messi's humility and family-oriented image resonate with Son's reputation as a gracious professional who gives back to his community through foundations supporting youth soccer in South Korea.

Looking ahead, Messi's MLS chapter could extend beyond his playing days, with rumors of him taking an ownership stake or ambassadorship role. This long-term vision aligns with Son's potential future, as he has hinted at coaching or mentoring after retirement. The convergence of their stories highlights soccer's global interconnectedness—Messi's record-setting signing isn't just a North American phenomenon but a worldwide event that echoes the trails blazed by players like Son.

In essence, Lionel Messi's move to MLS represents a pinnacle of modern soccer's commercialization and globalization. By setting records in salary, viewership, and impact, it has redefined what a "big signing" means in the American context. Drawing parallels to Son Heung-min underscores the universal appeal of these icons, who transcend borders and inspire millions. As MLS continues to evolve, Messi's legacy here may well be remembered as the spark that ignited a new era, much like Son's enduring influence in Europe. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/soccer/son-heung-min-lionel-messi-record-setting-mls-signing ]

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Son Heung-min Surpasses Lionel Messi With Record- Setting MLS Signing

Lionel Messi's Record-Setting MLS Signing: Echoes of Global Stardom and Comparisons to Son Heung-min