Son Heung-Min’s MLS hat tricks sent shockwaves through Major League Soccer as he matched Lionel Messi’s hat trick tally in just five games. The South Korean star, who joined Los Angeles FC in August 2025, scored a stunning treble in a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake, equalling Messi’s three MLS hat tricks achieved over three years with Inter Miami. This remarkable feat has sparked debates about Son’s immediate impact compared to Messi’s established legacy.
Son’s hat-trick came in a blistering display at Real Salt Lake. He opened the scoring in the third minute, added a long-range strike in the 16th, and sealed his treble in the 82nd minute.
“I’m enjoying every moment,” Son said post-match, highlighting his seamless adaptation to MLS. His five goals in six games highlight his explosive start since leaving Tottenham Hotspur.
In contrast, Messi, who arrived at Inter Miami in 2023, has set the MLS alight with his artistry, amassing three hat tricks over three seasons. His 20 goals this season place him among the league’s top scorers, but Son’s rapid rise has drawn comparisons.
Fans on social media are buzzing, with one user noting, “Son’s doing in five games what took Messi years!” Others defend Messi, citing his broader impact on the league’s global profile.
LAFC’s victory, bolstered by Son’s heroics and Denis Bouanga’s goal, lifted them to fourth in the Western Conference. Bouanga, now LAFC’s all-time leading scorer, praised Son’s partnership.
“We’re complementary,” he said, hinting at a potent duo for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Inter Miami, despite a recent 3-0 loss to Charlotte, remains a formidable force with Messi’s leadership.
Son’s move to MLS, influenced by Messi’s success, has paid dividends. He credited the Argentine for shifting perceptions of the league, saying, “Messi changed my mind about MLS.”
His $26.5 million transfer, a league record, shows LAFC’s ambition. Off the pitch, Son’s No. 7 shirt outsells even Messi’s, signalling his commercial clout.
The Son-Messi rivalry is heating up, though their teams may only meet in the MLS Cup. For now, Son’s MLS hat-tricks have levelled him with Messi in record time, igniting excitement about his potential to challenge the Argentine’s dominance. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Son can sustain this meteoric rise.
