Son Heung-min must follow strict MLS rule that only Lionel Messi is exempt from

Son Heung-min must follow a strict MLS rule that only Lionel Messi is exempt from if his proposed move away from Tottenham comes to fruition.

Son announced he will be leaving Spurs this summer.

He announced his decision in a pre-match press conference ahead of the club's friendly against Newcastle United in the player's native South Korea on Saturday.

"I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully the club is helping me with this decision," said an emotional Son.

"It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. Such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision.

"I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change - 10 years is a long time. I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man."

Son Heung-min announced he will be leaving Tottenham during a press conference in South Korea on Saturday. Image: Getty

Son's legendary 10-year spell at Spurs appears set to come to an end, with Los Angeles FC in advanced talks over a £15 million transfer.

Personal terms are close to being finalised as the 33-year-old has turned down a move to Saudi Arabia despite renewed interest from several Saudi Pro League teams.

If Son signs for LAFC, then he must comply with MLS rules that state players must be made available to conduct post-match interviews with the league's media team or broadcast partner Apple TV.

Another rule is that players must be made available for 15 minutes each for content opportunities and interviews.

Messi, however, is exempt from the MLS regulations.

Lionel Messi speaks to a reporter after Inter Miami's Leagues Cup fixture. Image: Getty

Messi, who moved to the United States in the summer of 2023, and his representation have their own arrangement with the league and Inter Miami, though the full details of this arrangement remain unclear, with a source claiming that the arrangement is a 'work in progress', according to The Athletic.

But the Argentine took part in an interview with Apple TV with the help of a translator after his debut against Cruz Azul, indicating that he may well take up media duties in future when it is deemed suitable to do so.

Son, meanwhile, would be LAFC's biggest named-player, so he would have plenty of media obligations should he join the California-based outfit.