LAFC defeats Inter Miami in MLS season opener at the Coliseum.
LOS ANGELES — Inter Miami’s attempt to defend its MLS Cup title commenced in an unsatisfactory manner, suffering a 3-0 loss to LAFC at the LA Coliseum on Saturday.
In a matchup featuring MLS’ two standout stars before the second-highest crowd in league history of 75,673, it was LAFC’s Son Heung-Min who emerged victorious against Miami and Lionel Messi.
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Son, the record signing in MLS, made a significant impact in his first full season in Los Angeles, providing an assist for David Martínez to net the opening goal in the 37th minute.
Miami sought an equalizer for much of the second half but was caught off guard as LAFC extended its advantage. Timothy Tillman delivered a long pass over the Miami defense, leaving new goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair stranded outside his penalty area, allowing Denis Bouanga to round him and slot the ball into an unguarded net.
After Son was substituted late in the match to a thunderous ovation, his replacement, Nathan Ordaz, scored a third goal in stoppage time from Bouanga’s cross.
Messi, participating in his first competitive match of a year where he is expected to lead Argentina’s defense of its World Cup title, found it challenging to make his usual impact. His best opportunity came during first-half stoppage time, but the 38-year-old narrowly missed the target while attempting to place a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Messi started the match after recovering from a hamstring injury that led to the postponement of Miami’s final preseason friendly in Puerto Rico on Feb. 13.
He was at the helm of a revamped Miami squad, missing his longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets following their retirements after December’s MLS Cup victory.
Coach Javier Mascherano included three debutants in his starting lineup. Mexico international Germán Berterame led the attack ahead of Messi, while new Brazilian signing Micael started in central defense in front of St. Clair.
A fourth newcomer was brought on at half-time, with Argentina full-back Mura replacing Ian Fray.
LAFC was competing in its first official match since being eliminated from last season’s MLS playoffs in the Western Conference semifinals by the Vancouver Whitecaps, and it marked the inaugural game under new coach Marc Dos Santos.
