Heung-min Son handed Lionel Messi his first MLS setback, and although the result was emphatic, he quickly struck a respectful tone afterward. His Los Angeles FC side beat Inter Miami CF 3-0, jolting the champions.
Son shaped the contest from the outset, pressing aggressively and linking play between lines, while Miami struggled to settle. Even so, he avoided framing the night as a personal triumph, instead stressing admiration and gratitude for sharing an era with Messi.
"We are lucky to be from the same generation as Lionel Messi,” Son said. “To be able to follow his career and his incredible moments.
"He has always inspired me, and his presence here in the American league has changed my perspective and my feelings. It's an honor to share the field with him."
The match drew 75,673 spectators to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the scale heightened the spectacle, while also underlining MLS ambitions, as the ground stands beside LAFC‘s regular home, BMO Stadium.
On the field, Son produced the breakthrough in the 38th minute, receiving under pressure and threading a precise pass to David Martinez, who finished calmly. The goal shifted momentum, and LAFC grew increasingly confident thereafter.
Denis Bouanga extended the lead in the second half, timing his run perfectly and capitalizing on a defensive lapse, while Nathan Ordaz added a late third from close range. Miami, despite spells of possession, never truly recovered.
Messi completed the full match despite recent injury concerns, yet found limited space and few clear openings, as LAFC‘s structure held firm.
For Son, however, the night balanced competitiveness and reverence, delivering victory while honoring the player who inspired him.
Inter Miami lost at sea without Sergio Busquets
Miami's midfield looked particularly exposed without retired anchor Sergio Busquets. His trademark positioning, organization, and distribution were missed, especially during the move that led to Denis Bouanga‘s goal.
During that sequence, no player dropped to screen the defense or restore structure, allowing LAFC to advance unchecked. Busquets built his reputation on precisely those moments, turning danger into control and launching attacks.
Rodrigo De Paul is expected to assume leadership duties, yet integration takes time. With three starters new to the lineup, chemistry issues were evident, and coordination often broke down under pressure.
Messi endured a subdued evening, creating little and showing visible irritation as moves stalled. LAFC‘s physical approach disrupted rhythm, while Miami struggled to string together sustained phases of possession or threat.
Despite the setback, Miami remain among the favorites for MLS Cup, given their attacking talent and experience. However, this emphatic win suggests LAFC could emerge as a principal rival, if not the early benchmark, in 2026.
Inter Miami will play their next match away against Orlando City on Sunday, March 1 as they continue their MLS campaign whilst LAFC will next face Real Espana at home on Tuesday, February 24 in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie.
