As major European football leagues gear up for their return in under two weeks, the transfer market is buzzing with activity. A significant development sees one of the world`s most prominent football stars reportedly heading to MLS soon, while Lionel Messi recently sustained a muscular injury. Here`s the latest football news.
Son Set to Join MLS After Tottenham Farewell
Heung-Min Son, Tottenham Hotspur`s long-standing captain, is reportedly poised to join LAFC this summer, concluding a memorable ten-year tenure with the North London club. His final appearance for Spurs is believed to have been a friendly match against Newcastle on Sunday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Korea, where he played before his home nation`s supporters.
During the 1-1 draw, Son received a heartfelt guard of honor upon his 65th-minute substitution, passing the captain`s armband to Ben Davies and sharing an emotional moment with teammates and staff. Son had announced his decision to depart the club after a decade just the day prior to the match.
Pardeep Cattry commented on Son`s significant, often underestimated, impact over the last decade. Cattry highlighted that while some might view Son`s influence through a business lens—given football`s Eurocentric perspective often associating Asian markets with commercial gain—his journey from South Korea to England transcends mere financials. Son`s career offers a rare narrative of inspiration and uniqueness in a sport lacking unexpected superstars. Beyond quantifiable contributions to Spurs` attack and finances, his story embodies the profound, intangible `romance` that defines the very essence of sports.
Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for approximately $20 million, Son became the most expensive Asian transfer in Premier League history at the time. This season, he played a pivotal role in securing Tottenham`s first trophy in 17 years, a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League final.
Cattry further noted the immense appreciation from Tottenham fans for Son, who emerged as arguably the team`s central figure over the past decade. While Harry Kane might be the first name remembered, Toby Alderweireld recognized as the standout player during their 2019 UEFA Champions League final run, and Mauricio Pochettino hailed for guiding Tottenham`s strongest recent team, Son distinctively marks the conclusion of this era. As the last prominent player from Pochettino`s successful tenure still at Spurs, his legacy stands independently, a testament to a career defined by an admirable progression through challenges.
Lionel Messi Injured During Inter Miami Match
During Inter Miami`s recent match against Necaxa on Saturday, Argentine football icon and MLS star Lionel Messi sustained a muscular injury. The former FC Barcelona player was forced to leave the field in the 11th minute, replaced by Federico Redondo.
With 18 goals and 7 assists already this season, a prolonged absence for Messi would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the team, managed by Javier Mascherano. Mascherano confirmed that the full extent of the injury would be evaluated in the coming days.
Javier Mascherano commented on Messi`s condition, stating, “He felt discomfort. We will not be able to know until [Monday] how severe the injury is. There`s probably something there. He was not in pain, but he did feel a pull.”
Following the match, Messi underwent scans, which, according to Tom Bogert, revealed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. A precise timeline for his return to play has not yet been established.
