LAFC's Son Heung-min Outshines Messi in 3-0 Win
LAFC defeats Inter Miami 3-0 in MLS opener as Son Heung-min stars and Lionel Messi struggles with hamstring strain.
LAFC cruises to 3-0 win over Inter Miami, Son Heung-min shines as Messi's debut disappoints...
Son Heung-min led Los Angeles FC to a 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, outshining Lionel Messi in the MLS season opener. The South Korean star set up David Martinez's first-half goal, while Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz added to the score.
LAFC's win was a statement performance, with Son Heung-min controlling the center of the pitch and making key contributions. Despite Messi's limited training opportunities due to a hamstring strain, he showed flashes of brilliance, but LAFC's defense was solid.
The match was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which was moved to accommodate the huge demand for the clash between two of MLS's biggest stars. The attendance of 75,673 fans was the second-largest in MLS history, showcasing the growing popularity of the league.
Son led the charge for the Black-and-Gold's attack, effortlessly slicing through Miami's defense to the delight of around 76,000 fans – the second-largest crowd in MLS history.
The Saturday night game was relocated to the spacious Memorial Coliseum to meet the high demand for a matchup between MLS's two biggest stars. Commissioner Don Garber bragged that LAFC's regular stadium would've been sold out "five times" over, highlighting the league's growing popularity.
However, for the fans who flocked to see eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, the game didn't quite deliver. Miami dominated possession but struggled to create serious threats against LAFC's goal, making for a disappointing night for the Argentine superstar.
LAFC started the game on a high note, allowing Miami to have plenty of possession but striking quickly on the counter-attack. Gabonese star Bouanga was particularly threatening in the early going, receiving a pass from Son and being one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
However, Bouanga's effort was wasted as he ran the ball wide to the keeper's right, failing to capitalize on the chance. Meanwhile, Son Heung-min was also involved, but couldn't get a shot away.
At the other end of the pitch, Lionel Messi looked a bit off the pace, likely due to a hamstring strain that had limited his training in the lead-up to the game. The Argentine superstar, who had picked up the injury in a friendly two weeks prior, wasn't quite matching his usual level.
Messi struggled to make an impact, repeatedly losing possession and looking frustrated as the game wore on. LAFC capitalized on the Argentine's struggles, creating a scoring chance.
Rodrigo De Paul was dispossessed near the center circle, and the ball fell to Son Heung-min, who was given plenty of time and space by the retreating Miami defenders. With precision and calmness, Son slid a pass out to the right to find David Martinez.
Three goals. Three points. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/F2XQJbGUiM
— LAFC (@LAFC) February 22, 2026
Martinez received the pass and unleashed a first-time shot that curled inside the back post, beating the goalkeeper and giving LAFC the lead. The young Venezuelan's finish was a beauty, and it was a deserved goal for LAFC's attacking trio.
Martinez nearly doubled LAFC's lead in stoppage time of the half, with a shot that was eerily similar to his first goal. This time, however, he guided it just wide of the post, leaving his teammates frustrated.
Moments later, Messi created his first genuine chance, firing a shot from the edge of the box that flashed inches wide of the goal. The Argentine superstar was starting to find his rhythm, and it seemed like only a matter of time before he made an impact.
Miami came out after the break with renewed aggression, with Messi taking control and dictating the pace of the game. He fired another shot, this time just over the crossbar, as LAFC's defense struggled to contain the Inter Miami attack.
Messi's night was touch-and-go around the hour mark, when he collided face-first with Ryan Porteous' back and was left sprawled on the ground for a minute or so. The Argentine superstar eventually got back to his feet, to the relief of his teammates and fans worldwide.
LAFC, sensing an opportunity, absorbed the pressure and waited for a chance to strike. Their patience paid off, as Timothy Tillman launched a long, looping through ball from deep in his own half, finding Bouanga in the process.
The Gabonese forward headed the ball over the rushing goalkeeper, then rounded him and slapped it into the net for a 2-0 lead. It was a well-worked goal, and LAFC's second was a big blow for Inter Miami.
Son Heung-min nearly had another assist, pulling the ball back from the touchline to Bouanga, who was in a great position to score. However, the Gabonese forward couldn't quite latch on to the opportunity, and the chance went begging.
Son was taken off moments later, looking frustrated to be substituted with just minutes remaining. Despite the crowd's applause, the South Korean star seemed unhappy to leave the pitch, knowing he'd had a big impact on the game.
LAFC sealed the win in the final minutes, thanks to a brilliant run from Bouanga down the left. The wenter found Ordaz, who slotted the ball home to make it 3-0, putting the result beyond doubt.
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