Lionel Messi struggles as LAFC beat Inter Miami in MLS season opener

Lionel Messi endured a frustrating start to the 2026 Major League Soccer season as Inter Miami fell to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against LAFC in Los Angeles.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, playing his first competitive match of the year, struggled to influence proceedings in front of more than 75,000 fans at the LA Coliseum.

Despite doubts over his fitness following a preseason hamstring issue, the 38-year-old started the match but failed to register a single shot on target.

World Cup fitness in focus

This sluggish performance comes at a crucial juncture as the Argentine captain weighs up his participation in the upcoming World Cup.

Messi has previously stated his involvement in the tournament depends entirely on his physical condition and ability to contribute effectively.

“I would like to be there. To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there,” Messi said in October.

“I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%.”

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano had insisted his compatriot was training at the same level as the squad, but the playmaker looked imprecise against a dynamic LAFC side.

Son inspires LAFC victory

While the visitors struggled to find rhythm with new striker Germán Berterame, the hosts were sparked into life by Son Heung-min.

The former Tottenham forward, who moved to the United States last year, provided the assist for David Martínez to open the scoring.

In a reversal of the usual script, the South Korea international appeared to command more vocal support in the stands than the former Barcelona star.

Messi was even subjected to boos from sections of the home crowd late in the game after a penalty appeal was waved away by the referee.