LAFC 3-0 Inter Miami: Early statement win in MLS opener as Messi and Son leave frustrated

Los Angeles FC opened the 2026 MLS season in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 win over defending champions Inter Miami in front of a record opening-weekend crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

In the second-largest attendance in regular-season MLS history – a reported 75,673 spectators – LAFC wasted no time stamping their authority on the match against a star-studded Miami side led by Leo Messi.

From the outset, LAFC looked sharp, cohesive and full of purpose, while Miami struggled to find rhythm against their dynamic hosts. Despite the hype around Messi’s return from injury, it was the home team’s attacking movement that broke the deadlock before half-time.

The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Son Heung-min’s clever pass released David Martínez, who calmly slotted home from inside the box to make it 1-0. Son, making his full debut season appearance for LAFC after a big summer transfer, played a key role in the opening goal as he measured the assist perfectly to his teammate.

Miami’s attempts to claw back momentum were thwarted midway through the second half, and in the 73rd minute Denis Bouanga doubled LAFC’s lead. The French striker capitalised on a heavy touch by Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, flicking the ball over the stranded keeper and into the empty net.

Finally, in 90+4 minutes, substitute Nathan Ordaz capped off the dominant display by converting a low cross from Bouanga to make it 3-0, leaving the champions stunned on the biggest stage of the weekend.

I understand him being upset about being substituted; the game is practically over.

But once again, he left to a standing ovation. ✨️ pic.twitter.com/GlCkP551XA

— Mari⁷ | ❀༉ (@mari_mavi5) February 22, 2026

Frustration for Messi and Son

While the result was celebrated by LAFC’s supporters, the match was also notable for the visible frustration shown by the two marquee stars on opposite sides. Leo Messi, returning after a pre-season hamstring concern, appeared upset with the referee at several moments when he felt fouls against him went unpunished, particularly in the second half – his irritation clear even to those watching from the crowd.

Son Heung-min, who had been influential throughout the night, was substituted in the 88th minute, and left the pitch visibly unhappy at being withdrawn just as LAFC were closing out their victory.

Nevertheless, the three points are what matter, and the Korean alongside his teammates have laid down an early marker against last year’s champions, forcing Miami to regroup and rediscover their attacking spark ahead of their next match.