LAFC kicked off the MLS 2026 campaign with a 3-0 win over reigning MLS Cup champions Inter Miami. The Western Conference side was clinical today, easing to a win.
We take a look at the five key moments from the MLS season opener.
5) Denis Bouanga Denied Early Goal
The signs were clear from the very start of the game after Denis Bouanga put Son Heung-min through on goal in the sixth minute. The South Korean could not get his shot away after rounding the Inter Miami goalkeeper, but put it on the plate for his teammate before Dayne St Clair denied Bouanga.
4) David Martinez Scores After Rodrigo De Paul Error
LAFC continued to dominate the game and were pushing for the opening goal, but needed some help. A poor touch from Rodrigo De Paul saw the ball stolen off his feet and fed to Son outside the box.
The former Tottenham man made no mistake in slipping David Martinez through, who curled it past the Inter Miami goalkeeper from inside the box.
3) Lionel Messi Goes Just Wide
Lionel Messi came close to levelling things up just before the half-time break. The Inter Miami captain was fouled just outside the box, but he got the ball back on his feet before the referee could blow his whistle.
The Argentine was quick to sort his feet and get a shot away, but his attempted curler was wide, and Inter Miami had to go into the break behind.
2) Germán Berterame Inches Wide
Berterame was not having the best of MLS debuts as the Inter Miami star was not getting the space to work with in and around the box. His best chance came in the second half, when Messi combined with Facundo Mura, who whipped in a brilliant cross.
The $15 million signing managed to beat the LAFC defenders and get on the end of the cross, but his header was just wide. It was one of the best chances the away side got to level things up, but failed to make the most of it.
1) Denis Bouanga Gets Help From Inter Miami Goalkeeper
It was the Denis Bouanga show at the LA Memorial Coliseum in the second half, and LAFC star got some help from Dayne St. Clair for the second goal of the game. Timothy Tillman launched a stunning ball over the top of the Inter Miami defenders, who were pushing at the halfway line, and it was enough to put Bouanga through on goal.
The Gabonese star’s perfect run from his own half saw him reach the ball right after it bounced, and a delicate touch with his head was enough to take the ball past Dayne St. Clair, who was standing outside the box. The LAFC star tapped the ball into the open net to seal the win, before adding a cherry on top with an injury-time assist to make it 3-0.
