Heung-min Son discusses Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo legacy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 2:35 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

LAFC forward Heung-min Son addressed the long-standing debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during an appearance on The Late Run podcast. While Son currently competes in the MLS alongside Lionel Messi, he identified Cristiano Ronaldo as his personal idol and noted he continues to model his own game after the forward. Son acknowledged that Lionel Messi is likely the greatest player of all time based on his historical achievements, including eight Ballon d'Or awards and the 2022 World Cup win. Despite the distinction, he maintained that the two players are not truly comparable due to their unique impacts on the sport. Son has recorded six goals and 17 assists for his LA-based club during the current season. The ongoing discussion surrounding the two icons continues as both players approach the latter stages of their careers with differing total career goal counts.
- •Heung-min Son identifies Cristiano Ronaldo as his personal idol.
- •Son acknowledges Lionel Messi as the greatest player of all time.
- •Son has produced six goals and 17 assists for LAFC this season.
- •Lionel Messi holds eight Ballon d'Or titles compared to five for Cristiano Ronaldo.
- •Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 978 career goals, while Lionel Messi has 927.
- 2:35 PMYahoo Sports — Heung-min Son weighs in on Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate
"LAFC player Heung-min Son has been asked to give his verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Son is now competing against Messi in the MLS, and has scored six and assisted 17 for the LA-based outfit in the current season.
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