Son Heung-min: I am very lucky to witness Messi playing football. I am very lucky to be able to compete with him now

Sun Heung-min joined LAFC and was interviewed by ESPN. He talked about Messi and the story of the 2018 World Cup.

Sun, welcome to Los Angeles. You said Los Angeles FC is not your first choice, so what made you change your mind?

Sun Heung-min: "This is not my choice, it's not a concealment. But my first phone call with John (the chairman of LAFC), he showed me the club's blueprint and the direction he wanted to lead the club forward. I think this directly changed my mind, and it's not just the promise the club showed, but they didn't want me now, but they actually wanted me a long time ago. So obviously, as a football player, I want to play in this special place. I want me the most. So that's the Los Angeles FC, I'm very happy to be here, and I'm very grateful to John for successfully changing my mind."

We all know how fast the AM League has developed over the years, and in the past two years, we have witnessed the Messi effect. How did he change the world's view of the AFC?

Sun Heung-min: "I want to say that his influence is huge. We are very lucky to witness Messi playing football. You know, as the same generation, he watched him play football, score so many goals, and join the major leagues. I think this will affect many players and also affect me. The achievements he has made for the club and his national team have changed my mind. So yes, we are very lucky to watch him play football, and I am also very lucky to share this luck. Yes, we are very lucky, I am very lucky to be able to compete with him."

The last question. There is not only a huge Korean community here, but also a large Mexican community. Carlos Bella was the signing of Los Angeles FC during the 2018 World Cup, when South Korea vs. Germany, you scored in injury time. I don't know if you still remember that Mexican fans thanked South Korea at the time, because South Korea defeated Germany, they were able to qualify for the World Cup group stage. They shouted "Sun, Mexico loves you" and now you are in Los Angeles. What do you still remember? What do you want to say to those fans?

Sun Heung-min: "I hope they won't forget this memory, and I hope they can support me like they did in 2018. So, yes, I won't forget this memory, and I hope that the fans, Mexican fans will not forget this memory. Obviously, we were eliminated in the group because Mexico failed to beat Sweden, and we were very sad about it... But the Mexican fans were very happy. So yes, I gave them a 'gift'. So now is the time, and you should express something to me. I can't wait to see you in the venue and on the court. I really need your strong support. So, let's work together to achieve it now."