Saturday night in Los Angeles was nothing short of electric as more than 75,000 fans streamed into the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to witness a highly anticipated MLS season opener between LAFC and reigning league champions Inter Miami. The decision to move the match from LAFC’s intimate BMO Stadium to the sprawling 77,000-seat Coliseum paid off handsomely, resulting in the largest crowd for a soccer game anywhere in the world that weekend, the biggest ever for an MLS season opener, and the second-largest in league history. For a city that’s no stranger to big events, this was a spectacle that even outshined recent concerts and football games at the venue.
But the night was about so much more than just numbers or even the presence of global superstar Lionel Messi. While Messi’s arrival in MLS continues to generate buzz, it was the black and gold of LAFC that dominated the stands and the pitch. The crowd, overwhelmingly clad in LAFC colors, was not there simply to catch a glimpse of the Argentine legend or his star-studded Inter Miami squad. Instead, they came to back their home team with a passion and loyalty that speaks volumes about the evolution of soccer fandom in the United States.
From the very start, the tone was set. According to a high-ranking MLS executive who attended the match, “The fans immediately started booing Inter Miami and Messi as they came out of the tunnel for warmups. And that continued throughout the game. There were hardly any pink jerseys in the crowd. It was a real testament to the incredible fan base of LAFC.” The message was clear: in Los Angeles, the home team comes first, no matter who’s visiting.
On the field, LAFC delivered a performance worthy of the occasion, rolling to a commanding 3-0 victory over Inter Miami. The win was not only a statement to the rest of the league but also a showcase of the talent and depth LAFC has built since joining MLS in 2018. No other team has won more games, scored more goals, or collected more trophies in that time span. Twice in the last four seasons, LAFC has been involved in games that shattered attendance records—last year’s clash with the LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl drew 82,110, the largest crowd in league history.
Saturday’s match was a microcosm of LAFC’s rise and the shifting dynamics of MLS. While the league has long relied on marquee international stars to draw crowds—think David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic—there is now a growing, authentic supporter culture that’s less impressed by visiting celebrities and more invested in their own clubs. LAFC’s supporters brought the noise, energy, and unwavering support that many in the league hope will become the norm rather than the exception.
On the pitch, LAFC’s stars shone bright. Son Heung-min, the captain of South Korea’s national team and a former Premier League scoring leader, made an immediate impact by assisting on the opening goal. Denis Bouanga, who has outscored Messi in regular-season play since the latter’s arrival in MLS, added the second goal, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers. In goal, Hugo Lloris—who holds the record for most World Cup games played by a goalkeeper—kept a clean sheet and demonstrated the kind of big-match composure that has defined his illustrious career.
Head coach Marc Dos Santos, in his first year at LAFC’s helm, was quick to praise his team’s defensive discipline and collective spirit. “The way we defended the box was excellent,” Dos Santos said after the match. “The way we followed runners in the box, how we moved our feet around the 18, and how we didn’t allow their one-twos to get through us was exceptional. For me, that was the best part of our team today.” He didn’t shy away from acknowledging Messi’s off night, remarking, “I don’t know if he took a pill before the match or what happened.” It was a lighthearted jab, but one that underscored just how effectively LAFC neutralized Miami’s biggest threat.
For Inter Miami, the loss was a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead. Despite controlling 68% of the possession and fielding a roster that includes not just Messi but also $15 million forward German Berterame, the visitors managed just three shots on goal and failed to find the back of the net. Miami defender Maxi Falcon was candid after the match, admitting, “We lost 3-0, and the first two goals were due to our errors which are fixable. We had control of the ball much of the match, they waited in back, and it worked out for them because they have very talented players with speed and they hurt us there in transition. But it’s just the first game. It’s never good to lose, everyone wants to win, but we have to take the positive out of it, too. It’s very early in the year and we have time to correct what we did wrong.”
Miami’s offseason focus was on shoring up a defense that lost legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to retirement. Yet, in their first real test, the backline looked vulnerable, especially on the counterattack. The team’s next challenge comes quickly, with a rescheduled friendly against Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico before they resume league play against Orlando City. Integrating new signings and correcting defensive lapses will be key if Miami hopes to defend its title.
Off the field, Messi made headlines when a video surfaced showing him following referees into a Coliseum hallway after the match. MLS quickly clarified that Messi did not enter the officials’ locker room and had not violated any league policy. Chris Rivett, Professional Referee Organization director of communications, confirmed, “After speaking with match officials, we can confirm he did not enter the premises.” The league’s swift response put to rest any speculation of disciplinary action.
There were moments of sportsmanship as well, with Miami’s Maxi Falcon swapping jerseys with Son Heung-min after the match. Falcon, a longtime admirer of Son, recounted, “With my limited English I asked him and he said, 'No problem.' After giving me the shirt, he hugged me and wished me success and a safe trip home. You could tell what type of person he is because he also took time to greet many people and was last to the locker room.”
Meanwhile, Inter Miami announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with Publix supermarkets, ensuring prominent branding at both the new Miami Freedom Park stadium and the Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The deal is expected to enhance the match day experience for fans and further cement the club’s presence in South Florida.
As the dust settled on a record-setting night, the message was unmistakable: LAFC’s passionate fan base and on-field excellence are setting a new standard for MLS. While Messi’s star power continues to draw attention, it’s the rise of authentic club cultures like LAFC’s that promises a bright future for the league. The season may be young, but if opening night is any indication, MLS is in for an unforgettable ride.