While many fans were asleep, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF endured a heavy 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC in their opening fixture of the Major League Soccer season.
LAFC were dominant from start to finish, with Son Heung-min orchestrating play and proving decisive in attack. Son, who completed a record $26.5 million move to LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur on 6 August 2025, registered an assist and controlled the tempo throughout the encounter. The former Tottenham captain looked sharp and fully in command as Miami struggled to cope.
For Messi and Inter Miami, the performance fell far below expectations. The Argentine forward recorded a modest 6.6 rating, and Softfootball understands that most of Miami’s attacking players finished with ratings below six. Apart from Rodrigo De Paul and Bright in midfield, the team delivered an underwhelming display, with even the goalkeeper reportedly posting a rating of five.
The result adds to what has already been a dramatic 2025/26 campaign across various leagues. On the same Saturday, 21st February 2026, Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley, while Real Madrid CF fell 2-1 to CA Osasuna.
Meanwhile, Messi’s long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo was making headlines elsewhere. Ronaldo scored a brace to power Al Nassr FC to a 4-0 victory over Al-Hazem, keeping his side top of the Saudi Pro League.
Inter Miami are also navigating a new era following the retirement of key veterans. Sergio Busquets officially announced his retirement in September 2025, bringing an end to a near 20-year professional career that included a legendary spell at Barcelona and a final chapter in MLS. Jordi Alba also retired at the end of the 2025 MLS season, concluding a decorated career that featured domestic and European success.
With those experienced figures no longer in the squad, Messi now shoulders greater responsibility. The 3-0 loss raises early concerns about Inter Miami’s balance and depth, especially against high-intensity sides like LAFC.
As the MLS season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Messi and his teammates respond. One opening defeat does not define a campaign, but the manner of this loss has certainly set the tone for a season already filled with surprises across world football.
