LAFC started off their season in the best way possible, against the 2025 MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF. The epic showdown had to be in the biggest stage, which is why LAFC hosted Miami at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, being able to host over 70,000 fans Saturday night.

This game became an instant classic, a clash of titans between Lionel Messi & LAFC forward Son Heung-Min “Sonny”.

Starting XI

It was all LAFC this time, as fans lived a 3-0 victory for the home team.

New midfielder Stephen Eustáquio instantly made an impact helping get the ball to the feet of Son, and then buried into the net by David Martínez with his left foot in the 38’ minute.

During media availability a day before Miami, Martínez was seen practicing similar shots at goal with teammates Mark Delgado, Denis Bouanga, & Sonny.

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Denis Bouanga can’t stop scoring, this time catching Miami Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair off his line and scoring an instant classic marking the 2-0 lead for LAFC in the 73rd minute.

After having played 90 plus minutes, Son Heung-Min was subbed out for forward Nathan Ordaz.

Nathan Ordaz instantly made an impact with his speed and offensive agility marking the third goal for LAFC and calling game over in the 90 + 4’ minute of extra time.

It was the perfect night for LAFC, showcasing their attacking skills and what fans can expect for the 2026 season.

For Miami, it was the worst way possible to start the season. Miami had zero goals contributions and no clear chances, it was not the fierce Miami team the league is used to seeing, especially in big stages like this match. Fans stayed waiting for a classic Messi goal, but for now they have to wait a bit longer since this was Miami’s only away game in California this season.

Defensive workload

LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is used to the big stages, registering three saves meanwhile defenders Eddie Segura, Sergi Palencia, Nkosi Tafari, and Ryan Porteous helped keep the clean sheet against Miami’s powerhouse.

Fortunately for both teams, it was the first of many games in this long season, both coaches acknowledged before the match that the result of this game would mean nothing because it was early in the season and every team is barely feeling each other out, especially with their new additions in both teams.

LAFC Head Coach Marc Dos Santos press conference LAFC vs Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano Press Conference ahead of LAFC

LAFC remains one of the favorites to win it all this year, especially having the dynamic duo of Bouanga & Sonny for a full season.

For Miami, its a quick page to turn and move on to the next game, there is no doubt they will bounce back as the season continues, but now they raise many doubts of the line up used by head coach and if the newest additions will begin to mingle together to create that unstoppable Miami team.