South Korean football star Son Heung-min is poised to join LAFC under a strict MLS media rule that exempts only Lionel Messi, following his departure from Tottenham after ten years. Son’s anticipated move across the Atlantic comes with mandatory media duties that could shape his experience at the Los Angeles club.

The Mandatory MLS Media Obligations Son Will Face

Upon finalizing his transfer to LAFC, Son will be required to comply with Major League Soccer’s media protocols that demand regular player participation in post-match interviews. These duties are organized by MLS’s official broadcaster, Apple TV, and require selected players to engage in media activities immediately after games.

Additionally, the league mandates each player to allocate a minimum of 15 minutes for individual interviews or promotional content to fulfill league commitments. This aspect of the MLS experience typically applies to all players, with one notable exception.

Why Lionel Messi Stands Apart From Other Players

The only player exempt from this MLS media rule is Lionel Messi, who benefits from a special agreement that keeps him clear of these obligations. The nature of this separate arrangement remains undisclosed, making Messi unique in the league for this reason.

For Son, who has been among the Premier League’s most prominent figures, adapting to these responsibilities should not be entirely unfamiliar. However, as LAFC’s soon-to-be franchise player, he may shoulder more media exposure than many of his new teammates.

Son’s Role and Relationship With Former Teammates in MLS

Currently, the leading player at LAFC is Hugo Lloris, Son’s former Tottenham teammate and World Cup winner, who commands a modest salary compared to expected standards. Son is projected to become the highest-paid player at the club once the transfer is complete.

The reunion between Son and Lloris in the MLS will attract attention, especially given their noted on-field disagreement during a 2020 Premier League match against Everton, where tensions flared at halftime despite their team leading 1-0. Fans and analysts alike will watch how their dynamic unfolds on and off the pitch in the new league.

According to Transfermarkt data accurate as of August 4, 2025, Son has played 287 games alongside Lloris, making the goalkeeper one of the most frequent collaborators in Son’s career, surpassed only by Harry Kane with 297 games.

Implications of Son’s Move and Media Responsibilities

Son’s entry into MLS under these media rules signals a noteworthy shift for the league, highlighting the challenges non-exempt players face in balancing playing time with media appearances. His high profile and new status at LAFC will place him under a bright spotlight, shaping the club’s public image and fan engagement.

For LAFC, securing Son with an MLS record fee and welcoming him as the franchise player reinforces their ambitions within the league and sets expectations for both on-field success and off-field representation. How Son manages these media duties and maintains performance will be closely watched in the upcoming season.