Lafc Vs Inter Miami — LAFC routs reigning champions 3-0 as Messi confirmed for opener

In the run-up to lafc vs inter miami, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi was cleared to be available for the season opener, but Los Angeles FC dominated the match on the field, beating Miami 3-0 at the LA Memorial Coliseum in front of an MLS‑record opening day crowd of 75, 673.

Lafc Vs Inter Miami at the Coliseum

LAFC’s 3-0 victory came in front of 75, 673 spectators at the LA Memorial Coliseum, with Denis Bouanga supplying a goal and an assist in the second half that sealed the rout. The opening goal arrived after Son Heung‑Min pressured Rodrigo De Paul into a turnover, then slipped a through ball to 20‑year‑old David Martinez, who finished past Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Martinez nearly doubled the lead before halftime.

How the goals unfolded and match statistics

Miami controlled possession in the first half — 58. 7 percent — but LAFC generated the bulk of the chances, finishing the opening 45 minutes with 11 shots, three on target, compared with Miami’s three attempts and one on target. In the second half, Timmy Tillman started a counterattack that found Bouanga for LAFC’s second goal; later Bouanga threaded a pass to substitute Nathan Ordaz to make it 3-0 after Son had come off late in the match. Hugo Lloris made three saves for LAFC.

Messi’s fitness and Inter Miami’s selection

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed on Friday that Lionel Messi would be available to feature in the season opener, saying Messi had trained at the same level as the rest of the squad all week and had “very positive feelings. ” Messi’s participation had been in doubt after he suffered a muscle strain in his left hamstring during a preseason game against Barcelona SC on February 7; he started that friendly but left the pitch in the 58th minute and watched from the sidelines. Messi has since returned to training with the rest of the squad.

Preseason changes, Beckham’s message and the rivalry build-up

Before traveling to the West Coast for the opener, Inter Miami completed a three‑match preseason tour of South America. Co‑owner David Beckham shared a message to supporters, saying: “As the new MLS season begins, I’m so excited for what’s in store for our club” and “It was always our dream to be MLS Champions, but we are hungry for more and can’t wait to start our title defence today. ” The match represented just the fourth time the two clubs have met in MLS play since Miami joined the league in 2020 and was billed as the start of a budding rivalry between Son and Messi; Messi is described in team material as the two‑time defending MLS MVP.

Squad notes and travel availability

Mascherano emphasized that all players who traveled with Inter Miami to California would be available for selection, specifically naming newly signed Designated Player Germán Berterame and now‑permanent Inter Miami figure Tadeo Allende. Miami also added goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to their roster during the offseason.

What’s next for Inter Miami after the opener

Inter Miami enters the 2026 campaign as the reigning MLS champions, having lifted the 2025 MLS Cup by defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps. The club will compete in the MLS regular season and has scheduled three more MLS road matches after the opener — against Orlando City, D. C. United and Charlotte FC — before beginning its Concacaf Champions Cup campaign in Fort Lauderdale on March 18 against either Nashville SC or Canadian Premier League champions Atlético Ottawa. While Miami will play the first leg away in March, the second leg will take place at Chase Stadium, unclear in the provided context.

Mascherano cautioned that the matchup would be difficult given the caliber of both teams and outlined the team’s tactical aim: control the game with long spells of possession and prevent Los Angeles from making quick transitions. The club also plans to contest the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Leagues Cup and the Campeones Cup in addition to its domestic schedule; co‑owner Jorge Mas targeted the Concacaf Champions Cup after the MLS Cup was awarded in December by commissioner Don Garber.