Miami Falter as Messi Misfires

Inter Miami CF began their new Major League Soccer campaign with high expectations but suffered a sobering 3–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC in a marquee season opener that drew one of the largest crowds in league history. Despite the much-anticipated return of Lionel Messi from injury, the Florida side were comprehensively outplayed on the night.

In the build-up to the fixture, considerable doubt 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 uncertainty over his participation in Miami’s opening MLS match. However, he made a quicker-than-expected recovery and returned to training on 18 February, as reported by Spanish outlet Marca. Ultimately, he was deemed fit enough to start.

The contest had been billed as a meeting of two of the league’s most formidable sides and a showcase of star power. Alongside Messi for Miami stood an array of seasoned internationals, while LAFC featured South Korean forward Son Heung-min, whose influence proved decisive.

LAFC seized control in the first half. In the 37th minute, Son delivered a precise pass that allowed David Martínez to open the scoring. Miami struggled to establish rhythm, and Messi—playing his first competitive match of the calendar year—appeared short of sharpness. He surrendered possession uncharacteristically and failed to dictate play in his customary fashion. Just before the interval, he squandered a presentable opportunity to equalise, a moment that visibly deflated sections of the crowd.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Denis Bouanga doubled LAFC’s advantage in the 73rd minute after a swift attacking move. Son might have registered another assist shortly thereafter, but Bouanga was unable to convert from a promising position. Deep into stoppage time (94 minutes), Nathan Ordaz added a third goal to seal a commanding victory.

Son was substituted in the 89th minute, having orchestrated much of LAFC’s attacking threat. Messi, by contrast, completed the full match but rarely influenced proceedings in the decisive areas.

The fixture attracted approximately 76,000 spectators at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—an attendance figure that ranks as the second highest in MLS history. The turnout underlined the commercial and cultural draw of global icons such as Messi and Son, even if the on-field spectacle proved one-sided.

Match Summary

Although Miami marginally led possession, LAFC were more incisive and clinical in the final third. Defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion in midfield exposed Miami repeatedly, raising early questions about tactical balance under Javier Mascherano.

For Messi, the evening marked a subdued return rather than a triumphant one. Yet with a long MLS season ahead, it would be premature to draw sweeping conclusions. If anything, the defeat may serve as an early wake-up call for a side widely tipped to contend for honours.