Son emulates Messi

Lionel Messi tends to dominate record categories all by himself - whether it’s his unmatched haul of Ballon d’Or trophies, or the 91 goals he piled up in a single calendar year. But every now and then, another star manages to wander into his orbit.

This time, it was Heung-min Son who found himself rubbing shoulders with the World Cup winner, as the Los Angeles FC forward became only the second player in MLS history to rack up four or more assists in a single half.

How Son’s historic night unfolded

Saturday’s matchup between LAFC and Orlando City saw the Black and Gold triumph 6-0 at BMO Stadium. The 2022 MLS Cup winners hadn’t produced a rout like this since their 6-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes in June 2024.

By halftime, Marc Dos Santos’ side was already flaunting a five‑goal cushion. And if you remove David Brekalo’s own goal from the tally, the entire avalanche was set in motion by Son.

From the 20th minute to the 28th, the South Korean star danced in perfect sync with Dénis Bouanga. The French‑Gabonese striker finished the plays, but the former Tottenham man conducted the rhythm.

After helping craft Bouanga’s hat trick, Son still had time to slip in an assist for Sergi Palencia.

Messi’s magical foursome

The last time MLS spotlights shone on a player who delivered more than four assists in under 45 minutes was in May 2024, when Messi set up five of the six headers Inter Miami used to overpower the New York Red Bulls.

And the only reason the Argentine legend didn’t assist all six that night was because he scored the sixth himself. Three passes to Luis Suárez and two to Matías Rojas in just 43 minutes - plus a goal of his own.

Now, after Saturday night’s display at BMO Stadium, Son is stepping into territory that once seemed reserved for Messi alone.

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