Just hours after the final whistle at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Son posted a brief status on Facebook: “31/3/2026.”

Though quite short, the message resonated deeply with Vietnamese fans as March 31 marks the second-leg clash between Vietnam and Malaysia, one that could decide Asian Cup qualification.

Son could not play the first leg on Tuesday due to a long-term leg injury that has sidelined him for nearly a year. He watched from home as Vietnam suffered their heaviest defeat to Malaysia in years, in a match where the team struggled both physically and mentally.

His status served as a reminder, telling Malaysia that the battle is far from over. For Vietnam, the March 2026 rematch could be the final opportunity to redeem their campaign, with Son at the front.

Nguyen Xuan Son’s message on Instagram following Vietnam’s 0-4 loss to Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10, 2025.

The 28-year-old striker was Vietnam’s top scorer at the 2024 ASEAN Cup, netting seven goals and playing a key role in the team’s journey to the championship. His severe injury in the second leg of the final against Thailand forced him out of action.

Now in the final stages of recovery, Son is targeting a return by the end of the year.

Son, whose Brazilian name is Rafaelson Fernandes, received Vietnamese citizenship in September. He became the first naturalized player without Vietnamese ancestry to be called up to the national team since 2009.