LAFC Dominates Inter Miami in Season Opener, Son Heung-min Shines
Los Angeles FC defeated Inter Miami 3-0 on Saturday in front of 75,673 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, marking the start of the new MLS season.
Goals from David Martínez, Denis Bouanga, and Nathan Ordaz secured a convincing victory for LAFC, spoiling the highly anticipated debut of Inter Miami’s season following their MLS Cup title defense.
Son Heung-min Impacts LAFC Victory
The match showcased the impact of LAFC’s record signing, Son Heung-min, who provided an assist for Martínez’s opening goal in the 38th minute. The assist “made it all feel so simple,” according to reports.
Bouanga doubled LAFC’s lead in the 73rd minute with a skillful play, heading the ball over the head of goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair after a long pass from Timothy Tillman. Ordaz then added a third goal in stoppage time, completing the rout.
Messi Struggles in First Competitive Game of 2026
Lionel Messi, playing his first competitive game of the year, struggled to replicate his usual impact. He had a clear opportunity in the first half but missed the target. Messi started the game after recovering from a hamstring injury.
“When we prepared the game, we prepared the game against the best Messi possible,”
LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos
Dos Santos emphasized the need to defend against Messi effectively, stating the importance of having “numbers around him.”
LAFC’s Dominant Performance
LAFC’s performance was described as “brighter and more aggressive,” leading to a well-deserved victory. The game was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, drawing the second-highest attendance in league history.
The atmosphere was electric, with a significant presence of Son Heung-min’s supporters. The win continues LAFC’s strong record in season openers, maintaining a nine-game winning streak.
FAQ
- Who scored the goals for LAFC? David Martínez, Denis Bouanga, and Nathan Ordaz.
- What was the final score? LAFC 3 – 0 Inter Miami.
- Where was the game played? Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- Did Lionel Messi score? No, Messi did not score in this match.