Intro
Champions stunned as LAFC dominate before record crowd
Los Angeles
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF endured a sobering start to their MLS Cup title defence, falling 3-0 to Los Angeles FC in a high-profile season opener.
Goals from David Martínez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz sealed a commanding win for LAFC before a roaring crowd of 75,673 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — the second-largest attendance in MLS history.
LAFC struck first in the 38th minute when Son Heung-min threaded a precise pass through traffic for Martínez, who calmly slotted home. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute as Bouanga capitalised on a long ball from Timothy Tillman, lofting it over goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair before finishing clinically.
Ordaz added gloss to the scoreline deep into stoppage time, converting Bouanga’s cross to cap a dominant display.
Messi, playing despite a recent hamstring strain, drew thunderous cheers and boos alike but struggled to influence proceedings consistently. Miami are still adjusting following the retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while new additions Germán Berterame and St. Clair are yet to fully settle.
The defeat marked a statement victory for LAFC under new head coach Marc Dos Santos, who remains unbeaten in season openers as the club improved to 9-0-0 in such fixtures. LAFC also moved to 4-2-0 against Miami in their all-time meetings.
Inter Miami will look to regroup quickly ahead of their trip to Orlando on March 1, while LAFC turn attention to their CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Real España.
