What's Happening?
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) began the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with a commanding 3-0 victory over reigning champions Inter Miami at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The match, attended by 75,673 fans, marked the second-largest crowd for a standalone MLS game. LAFC's victory was highlighted by goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga, and Nathan Ordaz. Despite Inter Miami's possession advantage, LAFC's defense effectively neutralized Lionel Messi and his teammates. The win continues LAFC's streak of winning every season-opening game in its history, now standing at 9-0-0.
Why It's Important?
This victory sets a strong precedent for LAFC as they aim to challenge for the MLS Cup this season. The win over a formidable opponent like Inter Miami, which features
high-profile players such as Lionel Messi, boosts LAFC's confidence and positions them as serious contenders. The match also underscores the growing popularity and competitive nature of MLS, as evidenced by the record attendance. For Inter Miami, the loss serves as a wake-up call to address tactical weaknesses and improve their performance in upcoming matches.
What's Next?
Both LAFC and Inter Miami will continue their campaigns with high expectations. LAFC will look to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strong start, while Inter Miami will need to regroup and strategize to defend their title. The teams are also set to participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup later this year, providing another platform to showcase their skills and compete at an international level.
