In a shock to the system for the defending MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat against a rampant Los Angeles FC in the highly anticipated MLS 2026 season opener. Playing before a staggering crowd of 75,673 at the historic LA Memorial Coliseum, the Herons were dismantled by an LAFC attack that looked sharper, faster, and more clinical. While all eyes were on Lionel Messi—who played the full 90 minutes despite recent injury concerns—it was Tottenham legend Son Heung-min who stole the spotlight, orchestrating the offense and providing a brilliant assist in a statement victory for the Black & Gold.

A Historic Night at the Coliseum

The atmosphere at the LA Memorial Coliseum was electric long before kickoff, with the attendance of 75,673 marking the second-highest crowd in MLS history. The decision to move the match from BMO Stadium to the larger venue paid off spectacularly, creating a playoff-intensity environment for the season's curtain-raiser. For LAFC, this was more than just three points; it was a declaration of intent for the 2026 World Cup year soccer calendar.

Inter Miami, entering the season with the weight of their 2025 title defense, struggled to cope with the noise and LAFC's high press. Head coach Javier Mascherano admitted post-match that his side looked "disconnected" in the midfield, unable to feed Messi and Luis Suárez in dangerous areas. The result marks Miami's worst opening-day defeat in the Messi era, raising early questions about their defensive stability.

Son Heung-Min and Bouanga: A Lethal Partnership

While the pre-match narrative focused on Messi, the story on the pitch was dominated by Son Heung-min's LAFC debut in a full season context (having joined midway through 2025). The South Korean superstar looked revitalized, drifting between lines and tormenting the Miami backline. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Son collected the ball in traffic, turning sharply to thread a surgical pass to 19-year-old sensation David Martínez, who fired past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair for the opener.

Bouanga Seals the Deal

If Son was the architect, Denis Bouanga remained the executioner. The 2025 Golden Boot runner-up doubled the lead in the 73rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home his first of the campaign. The chemistry between Son and Bouanga is already looking like the most dangerous pairing in the league, with their interplay leaving Miami's defenders chasing shadows. Substitute Nathan Ordaz added salt to the wound with a stoppage-time goal (90+4'), sealing the comprehensive 3-0 scoreline.

Messi's Quiet Night and Injury Concerns

For Lionel Messi, the 2026 injury update remains a talking point despite his presence on the pitch. The Argentine maestro, who recently signed a contract extension through 2028, showed flashes of brilliance but lacked his usual explosive acceleration. Coming off a hamstring scare in the preseason, Messi was often forced to drop deep into his own half to retrieve the ball, neutralizing his threat near the box.

"We need to protect him better," Mascherano said regarding the physical treatment Messi received from the LAFC midfield. "But today, we simply weren't good enough with the ball to give him the space he needs." With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, managing Messi's minutes will be crucial, but his insistence on playing the full match suggests he is eager to find his rhythm early.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the 2026 World Cup

This result sends shockwaves through the Major League Soccer scores 2026 board. LAFC, under new head coach Marc Dos Santos, looks like a juggernaut ready to reclaim the MLS Cup. Their blend of veteran leadership in Son and Hugo Lloris, combined with young talents like Martinez, provides a balanced squad depth that Miami currently seems to lack.

For Inter Miami, the loss is a wake-up call. They return to Chase Stadium next week needing to address defensive vulnerabilities before the league pauses in May for the World Cup. In a year where soccer in North America will reach fever pitch, the opening weekend has already proven that reputation alone won't secure points. The 2026 season is officially underway, and the standard has been set in Los Angeles.