Lionel Messi, Inter Miami punished by Los Angeles FC in MLS season opener

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were soundly defeated 3-0 by a clinical LAFC at BMO Stadium in the highly anticipated MLS season opener.

Despite the high expectations surrounding the Herons' season opener, the evening proved to be a tactical masterclass by the home side, who successfully neutralized Messi for much of the contest.

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when LAFC superstar Son Heung-Min threaded a perfect pass to 20-year-old David Martínez, who finished clinically into the bottom corner.

Messi nearly equalized just before the break with a shot that whistled inches over Hugo Lloris' bar, but Inter Miami failed to create any other chances of note.

The second half saw LAFC exploit Miami's defensive transition. In the 73rd minute, Denis Bouanga doubled the lead, latching onto a long ball from Timothy Tillman and nodding it past a stranded Dayne St. Clair before tapping into an empty net.

Messi attempted to rally the Herons, linking up with late substitute Luis Suárez, but the comeback never materialized.

Nathan Ordaz added the final blow in stoppage time, poking home a low cross from Bouanga to seal a historic opening-day victory for the Black & Gold.

Up next for Inter Miami is a return to Florida for their highly anticipated home opener at Chase Stadium. The Herons will face Orlando City and will be under significant pressure to secure their first points of the campaign after this defeat.