The 2026 Major League Soccer season exploded into life this weekend as Los Angeles FC delivered a resounding statement of intent, dismantling defending champions Inter Miami CF 3-0. In front of a deafening, record-breaking crowd of 75,673 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the highly anticipated Inter Miami vs LAFC highlights were dominated not by Lionel Messi, but by the dynamic duo of Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min. The sheer scale of the victory, combined with the electric atmosphere of the historic venue, suggests a shifting of the power balance as the league heads into a pivotal year.

Record Crowd Witnesses a Shift in Power

History was written before a ball was even kicked. The LA Coliseum record crowd of 75,673 set a new benchmark for an MLS opening weekend fixture, underscoring the massive growth of the sport in North America. Fans flocked to see a galaxy of stars, with the narrative centered squarely on the duel between global icons Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min.

While the crowd may have arrived hoping for magic from the Argentine legend, they left buzzing about LAFC’s ruthlessness. The hosts fed off the energy of the colossal attendance, pressing Miami into mistakes and exploiting space with terrifying speed. For a league gearing up for the World Cup later this year, this match served as the perfect commercial and competitive showcase.

Son and Bouanga: The New Dynamic Duo

Making his Son Heung-min LAFC debut for the 2026 campaign, the South Korean superstar wasted no time in showing why he was the league's marquee signing last summer. Operating with freedom alongside the reigning Golden Boot winner, Son was the architect of Miami’s destruction. In the 38th minute, it was Son’s precise vision that unlocked the defense, setting up David Martínez for the opening goal that sent the Coliseum into raptures.

"We wanted to show everyone that this is our house," Son remarked post-match. His chemistry with Denis Bouanga was palpable. Bouanga, arguably the most dangerous attacker in the league, doubled the lead in the 73rd minute with a trademark solo run and finish. The relentless pressure from LAFC's front line left Miami's defense shell-shocked, culminating in a third goal by Nathan Ordaz deep into stoppage time (90+4').

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Stumble

For Lionel Messi MLS 2026 began with frustration rather than fireworks. The defending MLS Cup champions looked sluggish and disjointed, struggling to cope with LAFC's intensity. Messi showed flashes of brilliance, dropping deep to orchestrate play, but he was often isolated and swarmed by a disciplined Black & Gold midfield.

Inter Miami’s defense, which held firm during their 2025 title run, was repeatedly exposed on the counter-attack. The defeat raises early questions about their ability to retain their crown against younger, faster opposition. While it is only the first game of the MLS opening weekend scores, the 3-0 scoreline will serve as a wake-up call for Tata Martino’s side.

Key Stats from the Match

  • Score: LAFC 3 - 0 Inter Miami
  • Attendance: 75,673 (MLS Opening Weekend Record)
  • Goals: David Martínez (38'), Denis Bouanga (73'), Nathan Ordaz (90+4')
  • Key Stat: LAFC outshot Miami 16-13 despite having less possession.

MLS Cup Favorites 2026: A New Contender?

It is dangerous to draw definitive conclusions from week one, but LAFC’s performance has undoubtedly reshuffled the deck for the MLS Cup favorites 2026. By humbling the champions so comprehensively, they have put the rest of the league on notice. The combination of Son’s elite playmaking and Bouanga’s finishing ability looks like a cheat code that few MLS defenses will be able to solve.

As Major League Soccer news cycles turn their attention to the rest of the season, all eyes will be on how Miami responds. But for now, the headlines belong to Los Angeles. In a battle of titans at the Coliseum, the Black & Gold didn't just win; they reigned supreme.