Former Tottenham Hotspur star Heung-Min Son is the latest big-name acquisition for Major League Soccer. Son will join LAFC in an MLS record transfer worth up to 26.5 million dollars after helping Spurs win the Europa League last season.
And while Son got a warm welcome in his introductory press conference in Los Angeles, he also learned very quickly that soccer has a long way to go with some members of the political class.
The press conference featured multiple Los Angeles dignitaries, including Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Heather Hutt. Hutt’s district contains Koreatown in Los Angeles, so it made sense to have her welcome the South Korean superstar.
However, in her remarks, Hutt told Heung-Min Son that she was hoping he could help the USA win in the World Cup next year.
Yes, really.
Behold one of the most awkward interactions you will ever see at a soccer event in America, at least since Donald Trump forced himself on stage for Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy lift.
“No pressure… when the World Cup comes, we are expecting a win here in LA for the USA, we are here to support you to get that done”
Wait, does she think Son 🇰🇷 will play for the USMNT 🇺🇸? 😂😭😂 pic.twitter.com/wK2pFF7i2G
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) August 6, 2025
“No pressure… but when the World Cup comes, we are expecting a win here in Los Angeles for the USA, aren’t we everybody? So we are here to support you to get that done,” Hutt said.
Either Heather Hutt has no idea what the World Cup actually is or does not understand what competition LAFC actually competes in. Hopefully, she realizes that Heung-Min Son is indeed a member of the South Korean national team and is not able to compete for the USA. If that were the case, we should have put Lionel Messi in the stars and stripes the minute he set foot on American soil.
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