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LAFC Tops Inter Miami 3-0 in Record Opener

2/23/2026

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Summary

LAFC Dominates Opener

In the 2026 MLS season opener at the Los Angeles Coliseum, LAFC defeated Inter Miami 3-0, setting a record opening-match attendance of 75,673.
Denis Bouanga, Nathan Ordaz, and David Martínez of Los Angeles Football Club scored.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami struggled to convert possession, as LAFC's disciplined defense limited Messi's impact.
LAFC prepares for a Concacaf Champions Cup tie, while Inter Miami seeks a rebound against Orlando City.

Summary

Messi's MLS Struggles

Inter Miami lost 3-0 to LAFC in Lionel Messi's 2026 MLS debut, despite a record crowd of over 75,600 as Messi struggled to hit the target and faced boos.
Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami coach, acknowledged the defeat but said the score did not reflect the game's dynamics.
Messi's hamstring injury may have limited his performance, raising questions about his fitness ahead of the World Cup, which is four months away.

History

Historical Context

Major League Soccer (MLS) was established in 1995 as part of the U.S. bid for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, launching in 1996 with 10 teams. Despite early financial struggles, MLS has expanded to 30 teams by 2025, with average attendance surpassing 23,000 in 2024. The league's growth, highlighted by star players like Lionel Messi, reflects its increasing global significance in soccer.

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LAFC Dominates Opener

In the 2026 MLS season opener at the Los Angeles Coliseum, LAFC defeated Inter Miami 3-0, setting a record opening-match attendance of 75,673.
Denis Bouanga, Nathan Ordaz, and David Martínez of Los Angeles Football Club scored.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami struggled to convert possession, as LAFC's disciplined defense limited Messi's impact.
LAFC prepares for a Concacaf Champions Cup tie, while Inter Miami seeks a rebound against Orlando City.

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