"Son Heung-min humiliated Messi."" MLS Superstar Face-to-Face 'Joy and Sadness' that the world watched

*This content was translated by AI.

• LAFC sweeps Inter Miami 3-0Son Heung-min scored the first winning goal, "assist."

Son Heung-min (34, Los Angeles FC) won his first showdown with Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami) in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS). His team, Los Angeles FC, defeated Inter Miami 3-0, and Son Heung-min also assisted the winning goal. With more than 75,000 spectators visiting the stadium, media around the world also reported mixed news of Messi's confrontation with Son Heung-min.

France's AFP reported on the 22nd (Korea time), "Son Heung-min took the lead in the team's 3-0 complete victory against Messi," adding, "Son Heung-min, who started his first full season of MLS, assisted David Martinez's first goal in the first half, and later consecutive goals by Dnie Vuanga and Nathan Ordas sealed LAFC's victory."

"Son Heung-min repeatedly broke through the Miami defense and received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd of about 76,000 people," the news agency said. On the other hand, it was a disappointing match for the spectators who flocked to see Messi. Messi did not even have a proper shot opportunity."

"The two players who faced each other in the UEFA Champions League are now rivals in MLS," said the Mexican version of Spain's As. "Son Heung-min won the showdown with Messi and began the 2026 season."

Indonesian media Bola reported, "Son Heung-min humiliated Messi and his teammates in the 2026 MLS opener," adding, "Inter Miami, the MLS champion last season, suffered a 0-3 complete defeat from the first game."

In addition, Honduran media outlet Diario La Prensa said, "LAFC led by Son Heung-min won overwhelmingly against Messi's Inter Miami. Messi's Inter Miami played its worst opening game with a disastrous loss, he said. "Son Heung-min's LAFC continued its relentless move early in the season."

ESPN Deportes added, "LA did not want to miss Son Heung-min and Messi's showdown," adding, "75,673 spectators entered the Memorial Coliseum, where the stadium was held, setting a record for the largest number of spectators ever in the MLS opening game."

LAFC defeated Inter Miami 3-0 in the opening match of the 2026 season MLS against Inter Miami at the LA Memorial Coliseum with Son Heung-min and David Martinez's joint first goal, second-half Vuanga and Odas' consecutive goals in extra time.

Son Heung-min assisted Martinez in the 38th minute of the first half with a pass that he stabbed into the penalty area. It is the point of attack for the second consecutive game of the season following one goal and three assists against Real Spain (Honduras) in the first round of the North-China Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) Champions Cup. After that, Son Heung-min was replaced in the 43rd minute of the second half and finished the game.

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*This content was translated by AI.