Lionel Messi played the full game but could not help Inter Miami avoid a thumping 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC in their opening MLS match of 2026.

Messi's preparations for the new campaign had been hindered by a hamstring issue, but the 38-year-old was fit to feature for the reigning MLS Cup champions at United Airlines Field.

Yet the Argentine's impact was limited as LAFC cruised to an emphatic victory, with star players Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min heavily involved.

Following an error from Rodrigo De Paul, Son teed up David Martinez for LAFC's opener in the 37th minute.

Hugo Lloris parried wide from a somewhat wayward Messi shot, but Bouanga doubled LAFC's lead midway through the second half when he nodded the ball over Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to set himself up for a simple finish.

Bouanga turned from scorer to provider deep in stoppage time, setting up substitute Nathan Ordaz to add further gloss to a resounding opening-day triumph.

Data Debrief: Denis dazzles

The pre-match build-up focused on Son v Messi, but Bouanga recorded 24 goals and nine assists during the 2025 regular season, becoming just the third player in league history to reach both of those marks in a season.

Bouanga joined Messi (29 goals, 20 assists in 2025) and Carlos Vela (34 goals, 15 assists in 2019) on that list.

He is already on two goal involvements for 2026, and he was outstanding throughout Saturday's contest, tallying up a game-high seven shots, three of which were on target, and 13 touches in the opponent's box – eight more than next-best Son (five).

Bouanga also created three chances, leading the match along with Son and Messi.

The expected goals count tells its own story, too, with LAFC creating chances worth 3.26 xG to Miami's 0.83.