Lionel Messi was unable to make an impact and Inter Miami were poor defensively as they dropped the first game of the season to LAFC, 3-0. The Herons never really got into the game, and were undone by three clinical counterattacks by the home side – who showed that they just might be serious challengers for MLS Cup this year.

Miami rather struggled to find a foothold in the first half. Messi was seldom involved, settling only for the odd touch here and there. LAFC took the lead after 38 minutes, a quick counterattack ending with a tidy finish from youngster David Martinez. The Herons had their moments towards the end of the period, with Messi curling narrowly wide from outside the box. 

They increased the tempo in the second half. Messi started to get on the ball more. The introduction of Tadeo Allende added a bit more quality. But a clear chance never really came. LAFC, meanwhile, were deadly. Bouanga scored the second, darting in behind the defense, nodding over a stranded Dayne St. Clair, and side-footing home into an empty net in the 73rd minute. He set up the third, too, skinning his man before providing an inch-perfect pass for Nathan Ordaz in the 91st minute. 

This was a poor one for Miami. They might’ve had more of the ball, but didn’t do anything with it. LAFC, meanwhile, were incisive and effective. To be sure, the Herons will find another gear. Yet this was a poor start to a title defense – and a gut punch from a clear MLS Cup rival

GOAL rates Inter Miami’s players from LA Coliseum…