SEOUL — South Korean star Son Heung-min (33) of LA FC has been named a finalist for the Major League Soccer (MLS) Newcomer of the Year award, a rapid ascent following his August 2025 debut. The MLS office officially announced the finalists for the 2025 season's individual awards on October 24, with the final recipients to be revealed during the MLS Cup playoff period. The selection process involved votes from club technical staff, players, and journalists.

Son, joining LA FC after an established career in a foreign league, was nominated for the award designated for "newcomers" who played a minimum of 500 minutes in their first MLS season. His performance was stellar, contributing nine goals and three assists in just ten regular season matches and being instrumental in LA FC securing a third-place finish and a playoff berth in the Western Conference. He contends for the honor against Anders Dreyer (27, San Diego), who posted 19 goals and 19 assists across 34 games, and Filip Cinkernagel (31, Chicago), with 15 goals and 15 assists in 32 appearances.

Meanwhile, football icon Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) has been nominated as a finalist for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The Argentine forward led the league in scoring, registering a phenomenal 29 goals and 19 assists over 28 matches to claim the Golden Boot. Messi’s competition for the MVP title includes Dreyer and LA FC's Denis Bouanga (31), who accumulated 24 goals and nine assists.

In parallel news, Inter Miami confirmed a three-year contract extension for Messi, committing him to the club until 2028. Reflecting on the decision, Messi conveyed his satisfaction: "I have been truly happy since arriving in Miami. I am delighted to continue my journey with this team and eagerly anticipate playing at the new Miami Freedom Park stadium, which is scheduled for completion next year."