"Meeting Of Korean Legends": Lee Byunghun Cheers On Son Heungmin In MLS Opener Against Messi

75,673 Fans Pack the Stadium
Second-Highest Attendance in MLS History
Son Heungmin Faces Off Against Messi
Registers Assist for Opener and Earns 8.2 Rating

Two of Korea's leading figures came together at the opening match of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. They were actor Lee Byunghun and Son Heungmin. Lee Byunghun visited the stadium to cheer for Son Heungmin, and the MLS office described the scene as a "meeting of Korean legends."

On the 22nd, the MLS office posted a video on its official social networking service (SNS) showing the two meeting on the pitch after the match, shaking hands and talking. The match took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, United States. In the video, Lee Byunghun greets Son Heungmin warmly and then poses for commemorative photos with staff members. Within just 12 hours of being released, the post received more than 33,000 likes, drawing strong interest from global fans.

Son Heungmin (left) and actor Lee Byunghun. Major League Soccer Instagram

The match that day was between LAFC and Inter Miami CF, and it drew major attention as the first MLS clash between global football star Lionel Messi and Son Heungmin. U.S. sports media highlighted the showdown even before kickoff, calling it a clash between "the best Asian attacker and a World Cup winner." Some local outlets went so far as to describe it as "one of the most iconic opening matches in MLS history."

The match itself lived up to the hype. Son Heungmin started the game and, in the 37th minute of the first half, broke down the right flank before delivering a precise penetrating pass that set up David Martinez's opening goal. Local commentators praised the play as showcasing "world-class vision and timing proven on the European stage." LAFC went on to secure a 3-0 victory by adding further goals from Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz.

Son Heungmin led the attack with lively movement until he was substituted off in the 43rd minute of the second half. According to a football statistics outlet, he created three clear goal-scoring chances, recorded a pass completion rate of 86%, and received a rating of 8.2. Home fans gave Son Heungmin a standing ovation as he was substituted late in the game. The match was also significant in terms of box-office success. The official attendance was 75,673, the second-highest crowd in MLS history.

The MLS office chose the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which has a capacity of about 77,500, as the venue instead of LAFC's home ground, BMO Stadium. Analysts say the decision took into account the "ticket power" of Son Heungmin and Messi. Major outlets such as ESPN in the United States reported that star power, combined with the league's global expansion strategy, maximized the box-office impact.

Son Heungmin and Messi Lionel. Yonhap News

Lee Byunghun's visit added further buzz. Having boosted his global recognition through the Netflix series "Squid Game," he has recently continued his overseas activities, expanding the stature of Korean Wave (Hallyu) culture. Among local fans in the United States, news of Lee Byunghun's visit to the stadium was received as "a symbolic scene where sports and entertainment meet."

In particular, the scenes captured on the pitch that day are being viewed as more than just a meeting between stars; they are being evaluated as a symbolic moment showcasing the global standing of Korean culture and sports. On one side stood an actor active in Hollywood and the global online video service (OTT) market, and on the other stood a footballer who has proven his competitiveness on the world's top stage. The MLS description of them as "Korean legends" appears to reflect this symbolism.

Meanwhile, Son Heungmin is scheduled to play in the second leg of the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Real Espana on the 25th. Attention is focusing on whether LAFC, buoyed by its opening-day victory, can carry its momentum into international competition.