LAFC Dominates Inter Miami 3–0 in Electrifying MLS Season Opener at the Coliseum
Denis Bouanga #99 getting past Fray and De Paul. (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
A Record-Setting Night in Los Angeles
The 2026 MLS season opened with a blockbuster showdown at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where 75,673 fans packed the stadium — marking the largest crowd ever for an MLS season opener and one of the highest regular-season attendances in league history.
With global superstar Lionel Messi leading Miami and LAFC countering with attacking stars like Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, the atmosphere felt more like a cup final than a season opener. The match was moved from LAFC’s usual home to the larger Coliseum to meet overwhelming ticket demand — and the energy inside the venue did not disappoint.
Son Heung Min #7 (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
First Half: Martínez Breaks the Deadlock
LAFC came out sharp, pressing high and dictating tempo early. While Miami attempted to settle into possession, LAFC’s aggressive approach disrupted their buildup and forced turnovers in dangerous areas.
The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. A slick attacking move saw Son Heung-min deliver a perfectly weighted pass into the path of David Martínez, who calmly slotted the ball past Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The Coliseum erupted as LAFC took a deserved 1–0 lead into halftime.
Messi showed flashes of creativity during the opening 45 minutes, but LAFC’s defensive structure limited his space and forced him into deeper positions.
Denis Bouanga #99 dribbling past Rodrigo de Paul #7 and Leo Messi #10. (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
Second Half: Bouanga and Ordaz Seal It
Miami pushed forward after the break in search of an equalizer, but LAFC remained composed and clinical.
In the 73rd minute, Denis Bouanga doubled the advantage with a moment of skill and precision. Controlling the ball in tight space, he flicked it into position and finished confidently to make it 2–0, sending the home supporters into another frenzy.
As Inter Miami committed numbers forward late in the match, LAFC capitalized once more. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Nathan Ordaz completed a swift counterattack and slotted home the third goal, putting the result beyond doubt at 3–0.
Leo Messi#10 Miami Captain getting ready to take a Free kick. (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
Tactical Takeaways
LAFC’s High Press: Constant pressure forced Miami into mistakes and limited their ability to play through midfield.
Defensive Discipline: LAFC’s back line effectively neutralized Messi and Miami’s attacking threats.
Clinical Finishing: Three well-taken goals highlighted LAFC’s sharpness in front of goal.
Inter Miami not happy with refs call. (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
What It Means for the Season
For LAFC, the dominant 3–0 victory sends an early message to the rest of Major League Soccer. Defeating the reigning MLS Cup champions in front of a record-setting crowd establishes them as immediate contenders in the Western Conference.
For Inter Miami, the opener serves as a wake-up call. Despite moments of possession and star power on the field, they struggled defensively and lacked cutting edge in attack. With a long season ahead, adjustments will be necessary if they hope to defend their title.
The 2026 campaign is officially underway — and if this opener was any indication, MLS fans are in for a thrilling year.