Legendary U.S. soccer figures anticipate Son Heung-min delivering a breakout 2026 MLS season, positioning him ahead of Lionel Messi for MVP honors and the Golden Boot as top scorer.
Expert Forecasts Highlight Son’s Dominance
Former U.S. national team goalkeeper Tony Meola, analyst Jimmy Conrad, and commentator Charlie Davies project Son earning All-Star nods, MVP award, Golden Boot, and leading the scoring charts. They also foresee strong contention for top assists and other individual accolades.
Tony Meola Backs Son as Top MVP Contender
Tony Meola, a U.S. representative from 1980 to 2000, names Son the 2026 season MVP. He draws comparisons to Lionel Messi, who claimed the 2025 MVP title. Since joining LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in August, Son aligns seamlessly with coach Steve Cherundolo’s system.
Meola stated on a podcast, “Son Heung-min won’t struggle at LAFC the way others have. His approach perfectly complements Cherundolo’s style in LA. Cherundolo pushed possession play for a year and a half without success, leading to changes. Son fits ideally.”
Son’s Explosive MLS Debut Fuels Optimism
Son marked his MLS debut with a goal and tallied 12 goals and 3 assists across 13 matches, creating massive impact and driving LAFC into the playoffs. The 2026 campaign represents his first full season, with experts expecting peak output after four months of focused preparation.
Meola added that Son’s form merits Golden Boot consideration, underscoring his potential for unprecedented activity.
Other Stars in the Mix
Charlie Davies and Jimmy Conrad select Germán Berterame, Messi’s new Inter Miami partner and former Monterrey striker, for major honors. Berterame netted 50 goals in 114 games over four years at Monterrey and scored twice in eight caps for Mexico since his 2024 national team return.
The pair clashed when Berterame donned Mexico’s No. 7 jersey against Son’s Korea in a September friendly, ending 2-2. Davies and Conrad view Berterame boosting Miami’s attack.
Team Trophies and Broader Impact
Meola predicts awards favor Son unless Berterame surges, but favors Messi for team prizes like the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup. Davies praised Miami’s pedigree across two showcases, while Conrad sees Son elevating LAFC to Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup glory.
Son’s Perspective on Messi and MLS
Son shared his outlook ahead of a full season: “I don’t want to say Messi stands apart. He remains the league’s premier talent, wielding undeniable influence. Yet soccer transcends individual duels.”
He added, “As teammates respect Miami’s collective strength.”
LAFC coach Mark Dos Santos noted, “We know these players well from prior coaching stints. Coaching staff changes usher fresh dynamics to the roster. More shots mean greater goal output. That’s my perspective. Preseason training proved thorough. We’re primed for a strong start.”
Son recently dazzled with 1 goal and 3 assists in a 6-1 Leagues Cup triumph over Real Espanyol on the 18th.
