Los Angeles, CA – South Korean captain Son Heung-min is back in action for LAFC, but his return to the pitch is being carefully managed following a recent injury, according to head coach Mark Dos Santos. The club secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Inter Miami in their 2026 MLS season opener on February 22nd, a match that pitted Son against Lionel Messi, with Son contributing a crucial assist.
Despite the win and his impactful performance, Son’s substitution in the 88th minute raised eyebrows. Dos Santos addressed the decision, emphasizing the need for cautious management of the player’s fitness after recovering from injury. The coach stated the priority is to maximize Son’s availability throughout the season, acknowledging the effort the forward has put into his rehabilitation. This careful approach highlights the importance of Son to LAFC’s ambitions in the 2026 MLS season.
The match at the LA Memorial Coliseum drew a crowd of 75,673, largely fueled by the anticipated clash between Son and Messi. Son’s assist came in the 38th minute, setting up David Martinez for the opening goal. LAFC continued their strong performance, adding two more goals to secure a convincing victory against Messi’s Inter Miami. The game marked the first time the MLS had utilized the LA Memorial Coliseum as a venue, demonstrating the league’s efforts to capitalize on the star power of its players.
Son’s Injury History and Return to Form
Dos Santos revealed that Son had been dealing with two prior injuries, but is now back and integrating into the team. “He’s come back now, and we need to be careful with him,” Dos Santos said, as reported by News1. This cautious approach underscores the club’s commitment to protecting their key player and ensuring his long-term health. The manager’s comments suggest a deliberate strategy to avoid re-injury and allow Son to gradually regain peak form.
The forward’s substitution sparked a visible reaction, with Son reportedly expressing his frustration to Dos Santos. Star News Korea reported that Son appeared to protest the decision, indicating his desire to remain on the field. However, Dos Santos maintained that the substitution was a necessary precaution, prioritizing the player’s long-term well-being over immediate game time.
MLS Season Opener and the “Son-Messi” Matchup
The 2026 MLS season opener between LAFC and Inter Miami was highly anticipated, largely due to the presence of Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi. The MSN reported that the game drew significant attention both domestically and internationally. While Son’s LAFC emerged victorious, Messi was unable to find the back of the net for Inter Miami.
The LAFC’s win signals a strong start to their 2026 campaign. The team’s performance, coupled with Son’s successful return, positions them as a strong contender in the league. The victory also provides a boost in morale as they prepare for upcoming matches. The club will be looking to build on this momentum and establish themselves as a dominant force in MLS.
Looking ahead, the focus for LAFC will be on carefully managing Son’s workload and ensuring his continued recovery. Dos Santos emphasized the importance of a gradual approach, aiming to maximize the player’s impact throughout the season. The club will also be looking to maintain their strong form and build on their opening-day victory as they navigate the challenges of the MLS season. The next few weeks will be crucial in assessing Son’s progress and fine-tuning his integration back into the starting lineup.
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