On a night that was supposed to belong to the reigning champions and the world’s most celebrated soccer star, LAFC seized the spotlight and made MLS history in grand fashion. The 2026 Major League Soccer season kicked off with a blockbuster clash between Los Angeles Football Club and Inter Miami CF, and what unfolded at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be talked about for years to come.
With 75,673 fans packing the storied Coliseum—an attendance that shattered the record for MLS opening weekend and marked the second-highest standalone crowd in league history—the energy was electric from the opening whistle. The crowd, a sea of black, gold, and the occasional flash of Inter Miami’s pink, buzzed with anticipation, much of it centered around Lionel Messi’s much-hyped visit to Los Angeles. But by the end of 90 minutes, it was LAFC’s night, and the Black & Gold delivered a statement 3-0 victory that left the defending champions stunned.
The match had been moved from LAFC’s usual, more intimate BMO Stadium to the Coliseum specifically to accommodate the Messi effect. MLS knew the draw of the Argentine superstar would be immense, and the turnout didn’t disappoint. Yet, as the game progressed, it became clear that the home side had no intention of playing second fiddle to the league’s biggest attraction. According to league officials, “Attendance is 75,673, the most attended opening weekend match in MLS history and the second highest attendance of any match all time.”
From the outset, LAFC’s approach was clear: stay compact, stay patient, and strike when the moment was right. Inter Miami, fresh off their MLS Cup triumph and boasting a retooled roster that included offseason signings like Sergio Reguillon, German Berterame, and Dayne St. Clair, controlled possession early. Messi, as always, was at the heart of their play, drawing gasps and cheers with every touch and every darting run. But LAFC’s defense, marshaled expertly by Hugo Lloris and a disciplined back line, refused to yield.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute, and it was a moment of pure class. Timothy Tillman forced a turnover in midfield, and Son Heung-min, making his much-anticipated league debut, slipped a perfectly weighted pass through to David Martínez. The young Venezuelan didn’t hesitate, curling the ball past St. Clair and into the far left corner to ignite the crowd. As one commentator exclaimed, “DAVID MARTINEZ MORALES OPENS THE SCORING AGAINST INTER MIAMI!!!!!!!!! HEUNG-MIN SON WITH THE ASSIST!!!!!!!!!!! MESSI'S TEAM IS BEHIND!!!!!!!!!”
That opening goal set the tone for the rest of the night. LAFC, buoyed by their lead and the raucous support of the Coliseum faithful, continued to frustrate Miami’s attack. Messi had his moments—coming close to equalizing in the 53rd minute after quickly recovering from a challenge and unleashing a shot from 20 yards out—but the finishing touch eluded the Herons. LAFC’s defense, led by the likes of Ryan Porteous and a tireless midfield, snuffed out threats and launched dangerous counters.
As the second half wore on, Inter Miami pressed for an equalizer, but it was LAFC who struck again. In the 73rd minute, Denis Bouanga produced a moment of magic that had the entire stadium on its feet. Tillman, orchestrating from deep, sent a majestic 50-yard pass downfield. Bouanga timed his run to perfection, heading the ball over St. Clair, collecting his own flick, and calmly slotting home to double LAFC’s advantage. “Bouanga played a Tilman pass absolutely perfectly on the counterattack. With a quick flick over the head of St. Clair he rebounded his self-pass and directed the ball into the net for the two-goal lead,” recounted one live report. It was the kind of goal that will be replayed on highlight reels for months.
From there, the writing was on the wall. Miami, despite their attacking firepower and the presence of Messi, couldn’t break through. LAFC’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing set them apart on a night when everything seemed to click for Steve Cherundolo’s side. The final blow came deep into stoppage time, when Nathan Ordaz pounced to make it 3-0, sending the home fans into wild celebration and ensuring that the record crowd would have a night to remember. As the match report put it, “Nathan Ordaz adds another one and this has turned into a rout. A clear cut win in every way for the home side.”
Beyond the scoreline, the match carried broader implications for both clubs and the league at large. For Inter Miami, this game marked the start of a new era following the retirements of stalwarts Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The club’s move to Miami Freedom Park signaled a fresh chapter, and with Messi leading a revamped squad, expectations remain sky-high. Last season, Messi notched an incredible 48 goal involvements—the second-highest total in league history—and won his second consecutive MVP award. There’s no doubt he’ll be central to Miami’s ambitions as they seek to build a dynasty in MLS’s salary cap landscape.
Both LAFC and Miami have benefited from their participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which has boosted their allocation money and enabled key transfers. As MLS continues to evolve, the league’s ability to attract global stars like Son Heung-min and maintain competitive balance is under the microscope. The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, looms large, and matches like this one showcase the league’s growing stature and ambition.
For LAFC, this victory marked their ninth win in a regular-season opener in as many seasons—a remarkable feat that speaks to the club’s consistency and winning culture. Up next, they’ll turn their attention to continental competition, hosting Real Espana in the Concacaf Champions Cup with a commanding 6-1 aggregate lead. Their next MLS test comes against Houston Dynamo FC on February 28, with fans eager to see if they can maintain this red-hot start.
As the dust settles on a historic night in Los Angeles, one thing is clear: LAFC have thrown down the gauntlet, and the rest of MLS has been put on notice. The 2026 season has begun with a bang, and if this opener is any indication, fans are in for a wild ride.