Inter Miami‘s highly anticipated title defense got off to a rocky start on Saturday night as they were beaten by Los Angeles FC in the MLS 2026 season opener.
The Herons, led by Lionel Messi, arrived in California expecting to pick up where they left off last year, but instead were outplayed and outfought as Los Angeles FC claimed a decisive win.
From the opening whistle at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, it was clear that Miami struggled to find its rhythm, and were dismantled 3-0 by Los Angeles FC.
The result was a sobering reminder that even champions must reinvent themselves amid fresh challenges and expectations.
Messi, who clinched last season’s MLS MVP and Golden Boot awards, was unable to exert his usual influence on the match. While the Argentine attempted clever passes and pulled the strings at times, his impact was limited by a lack of service and cohesion around him.
Inter Miami‘s defensive vulnerabilities were laid bare early. LAFC‘s quick transitions and incisive forward play created a series of opportunities that the visitors simply couldn’t contain.
The home side’s clinical approach ultimately decided the game in their favor, leaving Miami searching for answers early in their title defense.
Miami’s weaknesses exposed in all areas
LAFC struck first when defender David Martnez capitalized on a breakdown in Miami’s buildup play to open the scoring.
Denis Bouanga, the Black & Gold’s dynamic forward, followed up with a powerful finish late in the first half to double their advantage. Nathan Ordaz sealed the win with a strike in the second half that left Miami’s defense scrambling for answers.
Inter Miami‘s backline rarely looked comfortable, contributing to heavy possession losses and little sustained pressure in attack.
Defensively, Miami’s back line struggled to deal with LAFC‘s pace and movement. Errors in positioning and missed tackles allowed the hosts to gain the upper hand repeatedly.
The midfield, meanwhile, failed to provide consistent protection, often leaving space that LAFC exploited with precision.
In midfield, a few players managed to complete passes and win duels, but their efforts were sporadic and ultimately insufficient in stemming the tide.
As the season begins in earnest, coach Javier Mascherano is expected to dissect this performance for lessons, particularly regarding Miami’s ability to adapt when Messi is closely marked and opportunities are at a premium.
Up front, new signings and established stars alike found themselves frustrated. German Berterame had a quiet debut, with observers noting a lack of sharpness and connection with teammates.
Miami supporters will hope that the opening setback serves as a catalyst for improvement rather than an early indicator of struggles.