Duy Manh's son wishes Xuan Son well before the match against Laos.

An everyday moment became a highlight ahead of the fifth matchday of Group F in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers: Do Duy Minh, the son of central defender Do Duy Manh, sent a message wishing striker Nguyen Xuan Son "to score many goals." The Vietnamese national team has traveled to Laos to prepare for the match and is currently second with 9 points after 4 matches, while Laos has been eliminated with 3 points.

An inspiring moment from TikTok.

The video, posted by Do Duy Manh on his personal TikTok account, captures a conversation in English between Do Duy Minh and Nguyen Xuan Son. When asked his name, the boy answered clearly, making the Nam Dinh FC striker laugh. Xuan Son even jokingly complimented him, saying he was "so handsome," making the conversation more natural and relaxed.

At Duy Mạnh's suggestion, the boy wished "Uncle Xuân Son" many goals. The striker born in 1997 responded with thanks and promised to try his best in the upcoming matches. The brief moment spread positive energy and quickly attracted many comments from fans.

Xuan Son returns after ligament injury.

Before receiving this mental boost, Xuan Son had suffered a serious ligament injury and had to take a long break from playing. After more than 10 months of intensive recovery, the striker from Nam Dinh returned and was called up to the Vietnamese national team by coach Kim Sang-sik for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Speaking to the media, center-back Do Duy Manh praised his teammate, describing him as a professional, hardworking player with a very high fighting spirit. This view was also shared by defender Pham Xuan Manh and striker Pham Gia Hung, who considered Xuan Son a role model in terms of attitude and resilience after injury.

Pre-match perspective: morale and opportunities

Amidst a packed schedule and the pressure of securing points in Group F, everyday moments like "Little Ú's" well wishes become a morale booster for the attacking team. For a striker returning from a long-term injury, this support helps strengthen his confidence – a factor that often determines his ball control and finishing ability.

The Vietnamese team has 9 points after 4 matches and needs to maintain their rhythm and focus when playing away against Laos – a team already eliminated with 3 points but always with a relaxed mindset. In that context, the positive mental state of attacking players, such as Xuan Son, is a significant advantage.

The numbers are noteworthy.

• With 9 points after 4 matches, the Vietnamese team is ranked second in Group F.
• Laos has 3 points and has been officially eliminated.
• Over 10 months: the period Xuân Son spent recovering from a ligament injury before returning to the field.
• 1997: the year striker Nguyen Xuan Son was born.

Meaning extends beyond the football field.

The short clip is not just a story about a congratulatory message, but also shows the bond within the team – from the players' families to their teammates. It adds a layer of mental "fuel" for a striker making a comeback, at a crucial time when the team is entering the pivotal stage of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.