The Son Messi MLS opener delivered everything fans hoped for and more as LAFC handed defending champions Inter Miami a convincing 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd on Saturday night. Tottenham legend Son Heung-min made his debut for LAFC with a perfect assist on the opening goal, while former World Cup final rival Hugo Lloris kept a clean sheet in goal. Lionel Messi could only watch in frustration as his side fell apart early.
David Martínez opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Son slipped him a clever through ball from the left flank. The South Korean star cut inside two defenders before threading the pass with his left foot.
Martínez finished calmly past Drake Callender to give LAFC the lead; they never looked like surrendering. Denis Bouanga doubled the advantage just before halftime with a low drive from the edge of the box after Inter Miami failed to clear a corner. Nathan Ordaz sealed the rout in the 78th minute when he pounced on a loose ball and chipped the keeper from close range.
Son looked sharp throughout his first competitive match in black and gold. He drifted wide, took defenders on and linked up smoothly with Martínez and Bouanga. The French goalkeeper and Argentine forward shared a respectful handshake at full time, a nod to their history from the 2022 World Cup final.
Messi appeared visibly frustrated as the game slipped away. Late in the second half, he stormed toward the referee after a non-call before Suárez gently pulled him back to avoid trouble.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner created a few dangerous moments, but LAFC’s midfield and backline stayed organised and never gave him room to breathe.
The match marked the official start of the 2026 MLS season and drew one of the biggest crowds in league history. SoFi Stadium rocked with over 70,000 fans, many wearing Messi jerseys alongside growing numbers in LAFC black.
The atmosphere showed just how far soccer has come in the United States, with star power driving interest ahead of the World Cup co-hosted by the country later this year.
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo praised his team’s discipline and work rate after the game. ‘We executed the plan, kept our shape and took our chances,’ he said.
Son brings quality and leadership; we saw that tonight. Inter Miami manager Tata Martino admitted his side lacked intensity. ‘We didn’t match their hunger today,’ he told reporters. We have to learn quickly and bounce back.
Son joined LAFC on a short-term loan deal that runs through the summer window. The move gives him regular minutes after limited starts at Tottenham and lets him experience MLS ahead of possible longer stays or other opportunities. Lloris, who signed permanently last year, anchored the defence, once again proving why he’s still one of the best in the world at 39.
The result sends an early message in the Western Conference. LAFC looks ready to challenge for the Supporters’ Shield, while Inter Miami must tighten up defensively if they want another deep playoff run. Messi and Suárez remain dangerous, but the team around them needs better balance.
Social media lit up after the whistle. Clips of Son’s assist and Messi’s visible anger went viral. Fans debated whether the Argentine looked off the pace or simply ran into a well-drilled side. Others praised the atmosphere and how MLS keeps raising the bar with big-name signings and packed stadiums.
For now the focus stays on the pitch. LAFC travels next weekend full of confidence, while Inter Miami heads home looking to fix mistakes before the schedule gets tougher. The Son Messi MLS opener gave fans a taste of what this season could bring: star power, big crowds and plenty of talking points.
