Former United States international and Major League Soccer (MLS) legend, Alexi Lalas, has stirred the football world with his recent comments declaring South Korean star, Son Heung-min, as the new biggest ambassador of the MLS ahead of Argentine legend, Lionel Messi.
Lalas made the bold claim during his “State of the Union” podcast, pointing out that Son’s outgoing nature and ability to speak fluent English make him more visible and accessible to American fans than Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 but rarely speaks publicly or in English.
“I think that’s unquestionable, that he (Son) is going to be much more available and upfront,” Lalas said on the podcast, as quoted by the Mirror. “He speaks English, he connects with the fans, and he’s open. That’s something Messi has never done.”
Son, who was previously a star player at Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, recently completed a historic move to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) for a record \$26 million. Since arriving, he has already played two matches, winning a penalty in a 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire and providing an assist in a 2-0 win over New England Revolution.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi — widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time — made global headlines when he signed for Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Since joining the Florida-based club, he has already helped them win two trophies: the Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup.
However, Lalas argues that trophies alone do not make someone the face of the league. For him, what matters most in a growing football environment like the United States is how a star player engages with fans, media, and the broader culture — something he believes Son is more equipped to do.
“There’s a huge Korean population here, and Son appeals to more than just Korean fans. He has Premier League fans, Spurs fans, and general football fans behind him,” Lalas said. “He’s smiling, approachable, and speaks to the media. That makes a difference in this market.”
He also criticised Messi for remaining largely private and for not speaking English publicly despite being in the U.S. for over a year.
“And that’s not something Messi has, let’s be honest,” Lalas continued. “He’s always been a very reticent and private type of star. If he speaks English and chooses not to, that’s weak. If he doesn’t speak English, fair enough it’s not easy to learn a new language.
“But to me, speaking the language of the country that is paying you is a sign of respect. It helps fans connect. That’s something Son is doing from day one.”
While Lalas acknowledged Messi’s star power and his ability to sell tickets and attract global attention, he emphasised that MLS needs more than just a legendary name on the pitch — it needs players who can serve as cultural ambassadors.
“Messi will still be Messi,” he added. “He will sell out stadiums, he will score goals, and fans will adore him. But that doesn’t automatically make him the face of the league in a practical sense. Son is giving us the visibility we need.”
The arrival of Son Heung-min has been celebrated by many in the MLS and among Asian-American communities, particularly in Los Angeles, which has a large Korean population. Fans are already turning out in large numbers to watch LAFC games and catch a glimpse of the smiling South Korean star.
This fresh debate between global stars in the MLS comes at a time when the league is pushing to grow its international appeal. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup — to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — just around the corner, attention on American football is at an all-time high.
Many football analysts believe that having global stars like Messi and Son in the league is vital for its credibility and reach, but they also agree that personality, approachability, and communication play an important role in how stars influence the public.
“Football in America is different,” said a sports analyst based in New York. “Here, being good on the pitch is just half of it. Fans want to connect with players. They want interviews, appearances, and personality. That’s what Lalas is pointing out.”
