MLS: Los Angeles FC thrash Inter Miami, Messi’s side stunned on debut | OneFootball

Lionel Messi's team lost to Los Angeles FC at the start of the season, and the Argentine captain played the full 90 minutes after overcoming his muscle discomfort, in a key half-year with an eye on the National Team and the World Cup.

The official debut of Lionel Messi in 2026 was not as expected. The Rosario native started and played the full 90 minutes in Inter Miami's 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC, at the beginning of the new MLS season.

The presence of the Argentine captain was uncertain after the muscle discomfort that forced him to miss the friendly against Independiente del Valle, but he ultimately made the starting eleven and gained some playing time in the first official match of the year.

A tough start for the Herons

The team managed by Javier Mascherano, who must defend the title won in 2025, was outplayed by a rival that made better use of its opportunities. Goals from David Martínez and Denis Bouanga, both on counterattacks, set the tone for the match, while Ordaz sealed the final 3-0 score near the end.

Messi shared the field from the start with Rodrigo De Paul and Silvetti, while Facundo Mura and Tadeo Allende came on in the second half. However, the pink team was never able to impose its style and created few dangerous chances.

A modest debut for the captain

Individually, Messi had a cautious performance, with little contact with the ball and limited offensive support. His clearest chance was a shot that went very close to the top left corner.

Beyond the result, the match marked the beginning of an important half-year for the Rosario native, who will look to maintain his competitive level as expectations grow regarding his possible presence at the next World Cup, which could make him the first footballer to play in six World Cups.

Inter Miami will now have the chance to bounce back in the next match, while the focus will remain on the performance of the Argentine captain in a decisive year.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.