Son Heung-min has proven he remains one of the world's most elite creators after a historic performance for LAFC that saw him match a record previously set by Lionel Messi. The South Korean international dismantled Orlando City in a 6-0 rout, cementing his status as the premier playmaker in Major League Soccer.
The Apple TV analyst caught up with GOAL to talk about why Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have been inconsistent, and speculated how a potential Robert Lewandowski arrival could change MLS.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami came into the 2026 season with a ton of new shiny toys, but it was a familiar LAFC who dominated in their season opener - crushing the Herons in a 3-0 rout in front of an MLS-record opening day crowd of 75,673 at LA Memorial Coliseum. Denis Bouanga sparked an impressive performance for the Black and Gold, with an impressive goal and assist in the second half.
GOAL spoke to GMs and chief soccer officers across MLS about the league’s 3.0 vision: the calendar change is progress, but executives say the next steps must come faster.
Son Heung-min produced a stunning display for LAFC in a 6-1 thrashing of Real Espana in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The former Tottenham star scored and bagged three assists inside the first 45 minutes of the clash at the General Francisco Morazán Stadium in Honduras. Denis Bouanga also caught the eye with a hat-trick in an emphatic win for the MLS side.
MLS returns with a packed schedule and familiar chaos. From stars like Messi, Rodriguez, and Son Heung-Min to the teams you can avoid, here’s who’s actually worth your weekend watch.
From Christian Pulisic’s individual success to the USMNT exiting the World Cup earlier than hoped, GOAL outlines its predictions for American soccer in 2026.
Mohamed Salah has been urged to follow Son Heung-min's example and head to Major League Soccer in January, with Chris Waddle insisting the Liverpool legend should consider a new life in America as age and tactical demands catch up with him. With tensions under Arne Slot still raw, the Egyptian winger is again being pushed toward an Anfield exit as speculation intensifies.
Son Heung-min said Tottenham will "always be my home" on an emotional return to his former club. The South Korean ended a 10-year stay with Spurs this summer as he completed a move to Los Angeles FC. But on Tuesday night, he got the chance to return to his old stomping ground and deliver a speech to the fans before the north London team's Champions League win over Slavia Prague.
Former Tottenham star Gareth Bale has sent out a message to club legend Son Heung-min ahead of his return to Spurs on Tuesday. The South Korea international will make his first trip back to north London for the team's Champions League match against Slavia Prague where he will be given the chance to say a proper goodbye to fans following his summer exit.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.JPG?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
