The image ricocheted across social media this weekend: Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, sharing a high-five with Son Heung-min, the celebrated captain of the South Korean national team and star forward for LAFC. The seemingly spontaneous moment, captured during Tottenham Hotspur’s recent friendly match, sparked a flurry of speculation and excitement among fans, raising questions about a potential future collaboration or simply a display of mutual respect between two global icons. The unexpected display of camaraderie between Messi and Son Heung-min has quickly grow a talking point in the world of soccer, fueling discussions about the evolving landscape of the sport and the growing influence of its biggest stars.
The interaction occurred although Son visited his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, in December 2025, following Inter Miami’s victory in the 2025 MLS Cup. Son, who played for Tottenham from 2015 to 2023, was catching up with Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, a teammate of Messi’s on the Argentinian national team, when the high-five took place. A playful exchange preceded the moment, with Son jokingly suggesting he “let Messi win this year,” but vowed to “be at the top” next year, hinting at a competitive spirit between LAFC and Inter Miami. This playful banter, captured in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial), quickly went viral.
Post-match chats with Sonny ????
pic.twitter.com/1heCfpjCot— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 9, 2025
LAFC and Inter Miami: A Budding Rivalry
The context of this interaction is crucial. LAFC, bolstered by Son’s arrival in August 2025, is now considered a legitimate contender for the MLS title, alongside Messi’s Inter Miami. As noted by MLSsoccer.com, Son’s immediate impact on LAFC has been significant, seamlessly integrating into the team’s style of play and forming a potent attacking partnership with Denis Bouanga. This has positioned LAFC as a serious threat to Inter Miami’s dominance. The season-opening clash between the two teams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, expected to draw a crowd exceeding 70,000, is already generating considerable buzz.
Ryan Hollingshead, a defender for LAFC, emphasized Son’s ability to connect with teammates and embrace the club’s culture. “He’s got that sort of personality that just wants to buy into the club and the DNA and everything that LAFC is,” Hollingshead told MLSsoccer.com. “And so I think you can spot that in the way that he just took off from the first match, he has been playing at a super high level, has been understanding our style of play at a high level.” This quick adaptation and leadership qualities further solidify LAFC’s position as a force to be reckoned with.
A 3-0 Rout in the Season Opener
The budding rivalry between LAFC and Inter Miami was emphatically underscored on February 21, 2026, when LAFC defeated Inter Miami 3-0 in their season opener. Both Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga played pivotal roles in the victory, effectively spoiling what was anticipated to be a showcase for Lionel Messi. A report from Yahoo Sports highlighted the comprehensive nature of LAFC’s win, demonstrating their ability to compete with, and defeat, one of the league’s top teams. This result immediately elevates LAFC’s status and adds fuel to the competitive fire ignited by Son’s earlier comments.
The Significance of the High-Five
While the high-five itself may seem like a minor gesture, it symbolizes the growing interconnectedness of the global football community. Messi and Son, representing different leagues and cultures, acknowledging each other’s talent and ambition speaks to a spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect. It likewise underscores the increasing internationalization of Major League Soccer, with stars like Messi and Son attracting global attention and elevating the league’s profile. The moment serves as a reminder that even amidst fierce competition, there is room for camaraderie and appreciation among the world’s elite athletes.
The interaction also highlights the potential for future collaborations, whether on the field or in promotional endeavors. While We find no concrete plans currently in place, the positive exchange between Messi and Son opens the door for possibilities that could further benefit both players and the sport as a whole. The growing popularity of both LAFC and Inter Miami, coupled with the star power of their respective players, positions them as key drivers of MLS’s continued growth and success.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the rematch between LAFC and Inter Miami later in the 2026 season. The outcome of that match, and the continued performance of both Son and Messi, will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the MLS season and further define the rivalry between these two powerhouse clubs. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if the playful banter and mutual respect displayed in that December high-five translate into a compelling and competitive on-field battle.
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