In a clash of global titans that electrified the 2026 Major League Soccer season opener, LAFC vs Inter Miami 2026 lived up to every bit of the hype—and then some. While the world tuned in to see Lionel Messi, it was Son Heung-min who stole the show, orchestrating a dominant 3-0 victory for the Black & Gold. In front of a record-breaking crowd of 75,673 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—moved from the team's usual BMO Stadium opener venue to accommodate the massive demand—LAFC made a terrifying statement to the rest of the league: the Western Conference runs through Los Angeles.

Son Heung-min's Masterclass in Season Opener

The narrative entering the weekend was focused heavily on the Son vs Messi highlights, and the South Korean superstar wasted no time stamping his authority on the match. While technically not his first match in the league having joined late last season, the energy in the stadium made this feel like a fresh Son Heung-min MLS debut for the 2026 campaign. Operating with lethal precision, Son dismantled the Miami defense, proving to be the difference-maker in the final third.

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute. After Inter Miami's Rodrigo De Paul turned the ball over in midfield, Son pounced. Displaying his trademark vision, he threaded a surgical pass to David Martínez, who slotted home the opener with a clinical left-footed finish. It was Son's first assist of the 2026 season, setting the tone for a night where the MLS scores and results would heavily favor the home side.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Struggle for Rhythm

For the defending MLS Cup champions, the night was one to forget. Lionel Messi Inter Miami loss headlines are rare, but the Argentine legend found himself isolated and frustrated throughout the 90 minutes. Coming off a preseason hamstring concern, Messi showed flashes of brilliance but was ultimately stifled by a disciplined LAFC midfield led by new manager Marc Dos Santos. The absence of retired veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets was glaring, as Miami's new-look backline looked porous against LAFC's relentless transition attacks.

Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz Seal the Victory

While Son provided the spark, his attacking partner Denis Bouanga provided the fire. The 2025 Golden Boot contender doubled the lead in the 73rd minute with a moment of individual magic, chipping the ball over Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to send the Coliseum crowd into raptures. The chemistry between Son and Bouanga looked sharper than ever, signaling trouble for any defense in the Major League Soccer 2026 season.

The rout was completed deep in stoppage time when substitute Nathan Ordaz finished off a play setup by Bouanga, making it 3-0. The scoreline reflected the gap in performance on the night, with LAFC winning the expected goals (xG) battle 3.26 to 0.83. It was a comprehensive dismantling of the league's preseason favorites.

A Historic Night for MLS Attendance

The decision to move the match from BMO Stadium to the historic Coliseum paid off spectacularly. The attendance of 75,673 marked the second-highest for a standalone match in MLS history and the largest ever for an opening weekend. The atmosphere was electric, serving as a perfect backdrop for the LAFC vs Inter Miami 2026 spectacle. Fans witnessed not just a game, but a coronation of LAFC's new era under Dos Santos, with Son Heung-min at the helm.

What This Result Means for the 2026 Season

One game doesn't make a season, but this result reshuffles the power rankings immediately. LAFC has proven they have the star power and the tactical discipline to dethrone Miami. For Inter Miami, the loss serves as a wake-up call that the post-Busquets era will require significant adjustments. As the league looks toward the World Cup break later this year, every point matters, and LAFC has started with maximum momentum.

For fans tracking MLS scores and results, this 3-0 drubbing is the first major shockwave of the year. Son Heung-min has officially arrived as a dominant force in American soccer, and if this opener is any indication, the 2026 season belongs to the Black & Gold.