LAFC - Inter Miami live online: Goals, score, updates, stats| MLS

Watch: Clinical LAFC punish Inter Miami

Denis Bouanga was simply too good on the night, scoring once and setting up this goal for Nathan Ordaz. A statement victory for LAFC against the reigning MLS Cup champions. 

Full time: LAFC 3-0 Inter Miami

And that'll be it in Los Angeles, the hosts running out comfortable 3-0 winners against Inter Miami. What a night for new head coach Marc dos Santos in his first game in charge. 

Nathan Ordaz makes it safe for LAFC

Another goal created by Denis Bouanga, skipping past Facundo Mura on the left flank and fizzling a ball across the face of goal. Nathan Ordaz flung himself at the cross and poked the ball past Dayne St. Clair in the Miami goal. 

LAFC are doing a good job of taking the sting out of this game, keeping the ball and keeping Inter Miami at bay. Not long to go now for the hosts. 

We're going to have six minutes of added time at the end of the second half. 

That will be the South Korean's final action of the game. Son Heung-min is replaced by Nathan Ordaz for the remainder. 

LAFC break again with Denis Bouanga on the left. He tries to finds Son in the middle but Micael gets back in time to intercept. 

The hosts come again with Son, dancing around Dayne St. Clair, but Miami have enough back to crowd him out and clear the danger. 

Not long to go now and Inter Miami are running out of time to get back in this game. 

Luis Suarez is now operating as the central striker, looking to combine with Lionel Messi wherever possible. 

Watch: Denis Bouanga doubles LAFC lead

LAFC have a two-goal lead thanks to this ruthless piece of play from Denis Bouanga, taking advantage of some poor Miami defending. 

And now another LAFC change. Tyler Boyd replaces Timothy Tillman, slotting in on the right of midfield. 

Luis Suarez comes off the bench for Inter Miami. He replaces Mateo Silvetti. 

Tadesco Segovia and Denis Bouanga and both shown a yellow card after a clash on the halfway line. 

Sharp attack from Miami as Lionel Messi slips a pass through to Tadeo Allende. The winger cuts inside and fires at goal but his effort is comfortably saved by Huge Lloris. 

Another poor pass from Rodrigo De Paul gifts LAFC a throw-in deep in the Miami half. 

Lionel Messi wins a free kick 30 yards from goal but his effort thumps into the LAFC defensive wall. It's really not been his night, so far. 

Denis Bouanga gives LAFC a two-goal cushion

Absolutely ruthless from Denis Bouanga, punishing a defensive line that failed to sense the danger. It was LAFC's first shot of the second half and it may have given Marc dos Santos' team an unassailable lead. 

One change for both teams as we approach the final 20 minutes...

For LAFC, David Martinez comes off for Mathieu Choiniere.   

Inter Miami bring on Tadeo Allende, replacing Yannick Bright. 

Poor give-away from Lionel Messi allows LAFC to break swiftly. Denis Bouanga goes one-on-one with Maxi Falcon but the Miami defender does well, holding him up until his teammates come back to nick the ball off Bouanga. 

Berterame inches away for Miami

Finally, the chance that he had been waiting for.

Facunda Mura charges forward down the right and clips in a cross. German Berterame connects well with a header but his effort flashes just wide of the post. 

Sloppy pass from Stephen Eustaquio there, giving up the ball in the Miami half under no pressure. LAFC have the lead, but they need to be careful not to relinquish all attacking intent. 

After 15 second-half minutes, Inter Miami have managed to pin LAFC back more effectively but haven't really created anything.

Moment of concern for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi stays down after a collision on the edge of the LAFC box.

Messi gradually gets to his feet but he's holding his neck and moving very gingerly. He'll be ok to continue. 

Brilliant from Stephen Eustaquio to curl the ball out to Denis Bouanga on the left wing. The LAFC winger darts into the Miami penalty box but runs out of room and loses possession. 

Similar pattern is emerging in the second half. Inter Miami are probing but lack the width to really find any space in the LAFC half.

Will Mascherano turn to Tadeo Allende before too long?

Lionel Messi darts onto a loose ball on the edge of the LAFC box and lashes a left-footed volley over the crossbar. An early sighter for the Inter Miami captain. 

A subdued start to the second half with Inter Miami knocking the ball around on the halfway line under minimal pressure. 

We're back to it at the Coliseum, with LAFC holding a 1-0 lead over Inter Miami. 

One change at the break for Inter Miami. Ian Fray is replaced by Facundo Mura. 

LAFC lead at the break against Inter Miami

Taking charge of his first MLS game, new LAFC head coach could not have hoped for much more from his team in the first half. Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min have both presented a real threat on the break for LAFC, while David Martinez finished coolly to score the game's opening goal. 

LAFC have been the better team so far and are deservedly ahead at the break. 

Watch: David Martinez inches away from a second

Having already scored from a similar area, David Martinez missed a big chance late in the first half. 

Will Inter Miami make them pay for that miss after the break?

Half time: LAFC 1-0 Inter Miami

The hosts have a deserved lead at the break and it could easily have been two. 

Work to be done for Miami coach Javier Mascherano at half time. 

Just wide from Lionel Messi

Out of nowhere, the ball falls to Lionel Messi on the edge of the box and he shuffles the ball onto his left foot. He aims for the top corner but his effort is just wide of the target. 

Nearly a leveler from Messi. 

So close to a second for Martinez!

Huge chance! Son drops deep and sets David Martinez through on goal again with a neat pass. Martinez tries to curl the ball into the bottom corner but his effort spins just wide of the post. 

Dayne St. Clair did well for Miami, staying big to put the pressure on Martinez. 

Clever dummy from Lionel Messi to set Mateo Silvetti streaking forward on the right. Nkosi Tafari gets across well to clear the ball for LAFC. 

Maxi Falcon picks up a booking for Inter Miami. That might be a worry, with another 45 minutes to go against Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga. 

The 3252 are in great voice to end the first half. 

And why not? Their team are good value for this lead, and could even be further ahead. 

We're going to have seven minutes of added time at the end of the first half. 

There were a couple of minor stoppages, but that seems like a lot...

Inter Miami are trying to play their way back into the game but LAFC look resolute in defense. The Miami attacks are coming down the middle and there are plenty of LAFC defenders back to guard those areas. 

Watch: David Martinez goal puts LAFC ahead

Inter Miami are punished for a poor give-away from Rodrigo De Paul. David Martinez starts the season with a goal. 

What now for Inter Miami? You would have to say that everything has gone to plan for LAFC in this first half. 

The hsts have managed to limit Messi's touches and prevented any clear chances for Miami. Son and Bouanga have looked dangerous through, and Martinez proved decisive when the chance came his way. 

David Martinez strikes for LAFC

LAFC have the breakthrough and it came from a mistake from Rodrigo De Paul, who lost the ball in his own half. LAFC worked the ball to Son Heung-min, who rolled the ball through to David Martinez to slot the ball into the back of the net. 

A scrappy spell in the game now as both teams lose and regain the ball in quick succession. 

It's certainly been an open start at the Coliseum, both teams looking to play to their strengths and get the attacking talents on the ball. 

Just like that, Lionel Messi picks up the ball on the halfway line and spins away from an LAFC tackle. He fires a pass out to Telasco Segovia on the left flank, charging forward into space. 

Segovia gets to the edge of the edge but makes the wrong decision, losing the ball at a crucial moment. 

Half an hour in, LAFC will be very happy with how things are going so far.

The most telling stat from the opening 30 minutes is that Denis Bouanga has had five shots on goal. Meanwhile Lionel Messi has had none. 

LAFC 2026

Here's the first LAFC starting XI of the season. It's been an impressive start from the hosts, who really could be ahead by now. 

Another good run from Son and a pass out to Bouanga on the left. The Gabonese winger curls a cross along the six-yard box but there's no one there to finish. 

Can LAFC take advantage of these opening?

Brilliant turn on the halfway line from Son, who drives at the Miami defense. Reaching the edge of the box, Son slides the ball to Bouanga who sends a left-footed shot crashing into the post and bouncing wide of the target. 

Another good break from LAFC. 

Lionel Messi slides an inch-perfect pass through the LAFC backline for German Berterame but the youngster can't quite connect. 

Nearly an opening for the Herons. 

Incredible opening day stat: LAFC have won all eight of their opening day games in MLS. 

Can Inter Miami become the first team to break that run?

We haven't seen much of German Berterame so far but the Inter Miami new-boy is operating as a traditional No. 9 so far, hassling defenders and leading the line. It's a stark change from the fluid, position-less system that brought so much success in the postseason last year. 

Inter Miami 2026

The first starting XI of the season for Inter Miami, the reigning MLS Cup champions. 

Two corners in quick succession for LAFC. 

The second is played short to Denis Bouanga, who darts into the Miami box before being dispossessed by Berterame. Bouanga has caused Miami real problems from the start here. 

Nothing comes of the LAFC corner kick and Inter Miami are back on the ball. 

They have dominated possession in the early stages but it hasn´t been a particularly assured performance so far. For all their firepower, there are certainly gaps in this Miami team. 

Son´s free kick clips the Miami defensive wall. The rebounds is deflected wide for a corner kick to LAFC. 

Free kick to LAFC on the edge of the box after David Martinez is felled by Noah Allen. 

The position is left-of-center, perfect position for Son Heung-min's right foot...

Bouanga comes close for LAFC

A moment of real quality from Denis Bouanga, jinking inside from the left flank and surging towards goal. He is pushed wide by Falcon and can't get his shot on target, poking the ball out of play. 

It's a goal kick to Inter Miami but that was another sign of LAFC's quality. 

Ten minutes in, the game is going pretty much as expected. 

Miami are dominating the ball, passing and probing, and LAFC and looking to strike on the counter-attack. 

Inter Miami's high defensive line looked a bit vulnerable there, susceptible to the pace of Son and Bouanga. 

Keep an eye on that for this evening, and possibly the rest of the 2026 season.. 

So close for LAFC!

Huge moment as Son Heung-min is played through on goal. he is pushed wide by Dayne St. Clair and forced to pass the ball back to Bouanga. 

Bouanga strikes firmly but St. Clair palms the shot over the crossbar. 

Clear to see that Messi is starting as a No. 10 this evening, with  Silvetti and Segovia operating as more conventional wingers on either side. As expected, Berterame leads the line for Miami. 

First sight of goal for Lionel Messi, racing onto a clipped ball over the top of the LAFC defense. Looked like he might be in on goal but Hugo Lloris sprints out to claim the ball. 

Sharp goalkeeping from the LAFC stopper. 

Confident start from Miami, knocking the ball around coolly in Los Angeles. Son is starting as the central striker for the hosts, with Bouanga playing off the left. 

Incredible noise in Los Angeles for tonight's game. We're expecting a sell-out at the 77,000-capacity venue. 

The LAFC fans in great voice from the off!

And we're off!

Inter Miami get this game underway at the Coliseum...

The teams are out!

Just minutes to go until kick-off now. Who will come out on top?

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How much does Lionel Messi earn from his Inter Miami contract?

It is no surprise to learn that Lionel Messi is the best-paid player in MLS history. But the full extent of his Inter Miami contract is truly extraordinary. 

Nevertheless, the two-time MLS MVP is proving good value for money in Miami...

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The big signing, Inter Miami: German Berterame

There was no shortage of offseason moves from Inter Miami. Dwayne St. Clair is the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Micael has been a Defender of the year candidate, while Sergio Reguillon arrives after a career in the Premier League. 

But it is the signing of German Berterame from Monterrey that represents the biggest potential game-changer for the Herons. An all-action striker and proven goalscorer, the Mexican forward could be a revelation for Miami this year. 

The big signing, LAFC: Stephen Eustaquio

LAFC made a major move in the offseason, bringing in Canadian international Stephen Eustaquio from FC Porto. The 29-year-old midfielder has been a regular with the Portuguese giants since joining the team in 2022 and he will add real guile to the LAFC team. 

Comfortable playing as the deeper midfielder, building the play, or as a box-to-box No. 8, Eustaquio elevates the on-ball quality of this LAFC team and should help Marc dos Santos shift to a more possession-based style in 2026. 

Son Heung-min ignores the Lionel Messi talk

Ahead of tonight's game, a lot of the talk has focused around the superstars on each team. Son Heung-min was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League for a decade, while Lionel Messi needs no introduction. 

But for Son, tonight's game is not just a meeting of two players. He prepares to see it as LAFC vs Inter Miami: “I don't want to talk about Messi... That's because, probably, everyone's talking about him enough, and we all know that he's the best player and such a big influence on their game.”

“But I don't look at a football as an individual thing, and he's obviously on a different level to any other player,” he continued.

"So I'm looking forward to that game. LAFC against Inter Miami, everybody is looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to playing as a team, hopefully winning, and celebrating as a team. That's how I separate the game,

Stars arrive at the Coliseum

The players of LAFC and Inter Miami are beginning their warm-ups in Los Angeles, on a balmy February evening. Son Heung-min gets a huge round of applause as he jogs out onto the field, will he prove decisive for LAFC tonight?

Full list of MLS fixtures for opening weekend 2026

Here's the schedule for the opening night of the 2026 MLS season. LAFC - Inter Miami is undoubtedly the biggest clash of the day but there is plenty to enjoy elsewhere. 

In the early games St Louis City drew 1-1 with Charlotte, while FC Cincinnati beat Atlanta United 2-0. Plenty more fun to be had before the night is out...

Can Inter Miami go back-to-back?

Who was the last team to win consecutive MLS Cups? Inter Miami are looking to become the first team since the 2011/2012 LA Galaxy team to successful retain a championship in MLS. 

It would be a historic achievement for Javier Mascherano's side but they certainly have the quality. 

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How to watch LAFC - Inter Miami on Apple TV: Time, date, streaming platform

Less than an hour to go until kick-off at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. We will have full minute-by-minute coverage here on AS USA, but you can also choose to stream the game wherever you are in the world.

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LAFC team news: Full-strength hosts

If there is a better strike force in MLS, it is probably this one...

Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga lead the line for LAFC, with new signing Stephen Eustaquio starting in midfield after his offseason move from Porto. 

Inter Miami team news: Lionel Messi starts

Fear not, Lionel Messi is in the Miami XI for today's game. He starts as a fluid three alongside Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti, with German Berterame leading the line for the Herons. Is there a better offensive unit in MLS?

Son Heung-min ready for Inter Miami challenge

"We have a huge respect for this Miami team, of course they won the league last year."

"We are here to try to start well. it's an amazing stadium, amazing weather. We're ready to rock and roll."

Atmosphere builds in Los Angeles

They may be one of the league's newer teams, but the LAFC fans are up with the very best in MLS. More proof will be on show tonight...

Inter Miami team news

The big question mark ahead of tonight's game was the fitness of Lionel Messi, who was forced to pull out of team sessions earlier this month due to a muscular issue. After a brief spell of worry for Miami fans, head coach Javier Mascherano was able to give some good news this week and confirm that Messi will be fit to play against LAFC. 

“Messi is fine; he's been training at the same level as the rest of the team all week,” said Mascherano. “He's been doing well and has had very positive feelings. So, he's going away well prepared, just like the rest of the team.”

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Who’s going to win MLS in 2026? These are the favorites for the title

Ahead of the new MLS season, Inter Miami have been cited as the favorite to retain their MLS Cup in 2026. But there is plenty of competition across the league, with LAFC among the strongest contenders to challenge for a title. 

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Potential championship clash between LAFC and Inter Miami

"It's clear, though, that they are two great teams, and of course, given the caliber of their players and what they represent in the league, they are two teams that, on paper, should be contenders."

"You always imagine the ideal game, and the ideal game for us would be the complete opposite of that, a back-and-forth affair. It would be about controlling the game, having long spells of possession, and preventing Los Angeles from making transitions because they need to get forward quickly."

Inter Miami looking sharp for the new season

Once again, Inter Miami's preseason schedule has taken them overseas for a series of games against international opposition. This year's schedule has been a bit lighter and the players are looking sharp ahead of Saturday's curtain-raiser against LAFC. 

LAFC are ready for Inter Miami challenge

“We're excited about it. We understand that we're playing last year's MLS Cup champion, a big team in this league. To start with this opponent, it's the best choice possible, especially here in Los Angeles. We're ready. It was important to give a good sign in Honduras and to set the table for this game. It's going to be an amazing game against an amazing opponent. ”

LAFC host Miami at the Coliseum

For the first time in team history, LAFC will be playing at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum as they host Inter Miami today. The 77,500-capacity stadium is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the United States and has an incredible back-story. The Coliseum has hosted Olympic Games, Super Bowls and World Cups, and now hosts the big game of the opening weekend of MLS action. 

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MLS Is Back: How to watch the opening day matches and the rest of the 2026 season

Fans from all around the world will be tuning in to watch LAFC - Inter Miami on Apple TV. We will have live text commentary right here on AS USA, but here's your streaming options for tonight's game...

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LAFC - Inter Miami: Live on AS USA

Hello and welcome to AS USA for our live coverage of the stand-out game of the opening weekend of the 2026 MLS season. 

LAFC play host and will look to build on the burgeoning partnership of Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, potentially the most devastating attacking partnership in the league. 

For Inter Miami, a team with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul has been strengthened considerably over the offseason as they look to retain their MLS Cup crown. 

I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you full live coverage right here on AS USA. Away we go!