"Such were the scenes after Inter Miami opened its MLS Cup defense with a pitiful 3-0 defeat at Los Angeles FC. Through 90 minutes, with LAFC coming off of a midweek continental match, both team's stars stuck it out to try starting the 2026 season on the right foot. Son Heung-min made it 89 minutes, subbed out when the result was beyond doubt. Lionel Messi played every minute but was held without a goal contribution, failing to place either of his shot attempts on target and seeing all three created chances go uncashed by his teammates."
"After the game, a journalist caught Messi confronting referees as they walked through the tunnels after the game. He may have kept up this walk-and-talk had Suarez not pulled his close friend away. An MLS spokesperson clarified this was not the door to the referee's locker room, and a league review found that Messi had not violated any policies."
"The bedrock of any good defense is the relationship between a goalkeeper and his center backs. Playing an aggressive high-line after conceding first, Micael and Maxi Falcon stayed in the attacking half even after LAFC regained possession deep within its own half. Most teams in MLS would know this is the exact scena"
Inter Miami began its MLS Cup title defense with a 3-0 loss at Los Angeles FC. Lionel Messi played every minute but produced no goal contributions and saw his created chances go unconverted. Son Heung-min lasted 89 minutes before being substituted. Messi confronted match officials after the game and was physically pulled away by Luis Suarez; a league review found no policy violations. LAFC’s victory strengthens its bid for a third Supporters' Shield. Both clubs retooled in the offseason, and Miami’s altered lineup displayed limited chemistry. Defensive breakdowns, especially goalkeeper–center back coordination, contributed to LAFC’s second goal.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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