Inter Miami CF began their new Major League Soccer campaign with a sobering 3–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC, as Lionel Messi endured an unusually subdued evening in what was his first competitive appearance of the year.
In the build-up to the fixture, uncertainty had surrounded Messi’s availability. The Argentine sustained a hamstring strain in his left leg during a pre-season friendly in Ecuador on 7 February, casting doubt over his participation in Miami’s league opener. Medical staff initially anticipated a cautious rehabilitation schedule, yet Messi returned to training on 18 February, earlier than expected, raising hopes he would be fit enough to feature.
Head coach Javier Mascherano ultimately named him in the starting XI for the high-profile clash, staged before a crowd of approximately 76,000 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — the second-highest attendance in MLS history. The encounter had been billed as a meeting of two of the league’s most glamorous sides and a duel between marquee stars, with South Korean forward Son Heung-min leading the line for the home team.
On the night, it was Son who decisively influenced proceedings. In the 37th minute, he delivered a precise pass to David Martínez, who calmly slotted home to give Los Angeles the lead. The goal settled the hosts and exposed defensive frailties in Miami’s back line. Messi, by contrast, struggled to impose himself. Though he completed the full 90 minutes, he appeared short of sharpness, frequently dispossessed and unable to orchestrate the tempo in his customary fashion.
The second half saw Los Angeles tighten their grip. Denis Bouanga doubled the advantage in the 73rd minute with a clinical finish, capitalising on a swift transition. Deep into stoppage time, Nathan Ordaz added a third, sealing an emphatic result. Son might have recorded a second assist after the interval, but Bouanga failed to convert from another incisive delivery.
Messi’s best opportunity arrived just before the interval, when he found space inside the penalty area but could not direct his effort on target. The moment drew audible disappointment from the crowd, many of whom had attended primarily to witness the contest between the global icons.
Match Summary
| Category | Los Angeles FC | Inter Miami CF |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 3 | 0 |
| First Goal | Martínez (37’) | — |
| Second Goal | Bouanga (73’) | — |
| Third Goal | Ordaz (90+4’) | — |
| Messi Minutes Played | — | 90 |
| Son Minutes Played | 89 | — |
| Attendance | 76,000 (approx.) | — |
For Miami, who entered the season with lofty ambitions and the aura of defending MLS Cup holders, the defeat represents an early setback rather than a definitive verdict. Much will depend on Messi’s return to peak fitness and cohesion within Mascherano’s evolving system. With a long campaign ahead, there remains ample time for recovery — yet this opening-night reverse serves as a reminder that reputation alone guarantees nothing in an increasingly competitive league.
