Messi snubbed! Ex-Premier League star beats Inter Miami captain to MLS award

LAFC superstar Son Heung-min has clinched the Major League Soccer Goal of the Year award for his phenomenal free-kick against FC Dallas, beating out the closest competitor, Lionel Messi.

The prestigious honor, which celebrates the best strike of the season since 1996, went to Son for the first time in LAFC's history.

Son, who signed with the club in August, secured the award with just his third appearance.

The winning goal was a spectacular, long-range free-kick that curled up and over the FC Dallas wall just six minutes into the match, securing a momentous occasion despite the game ending in a 1-1 draw.

Messi, arguably Son's closest competitor for the honor, was a strong favorite for his breathtaking solo effort.

The Argentine wizard scored following an energetic run from the halfway line, weaving past nearly half of the CF Montréal squad in a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

However, fans ultimately favored Son's precision set-piece.

While Son takes home Goal of the Year, Messi remains the favorite to be crowned the MLS MVP after an outstanding campaign for Inter Miami, a club he recently committed to until 2028.