Messi was lackluster as Inter Miami suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat against Son Heung-min's team.
The humiliating defeat against Los Angeles FC on the opening day of the 2026 MLS season has raised doubts about Lionel Messi's form just four months before the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a disappointing opening match of the 2026 MLS season, losing 0-3 to Los Angeles FC (LAFC). While Son Heung-min and his teammates shone brightly, the Argentine superstar was completely silent, raising concerns about his ability to maintain his peak performance ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
The nightmare at the LA Coliseum
At the LA Coliseum, in front of over 75,600 spectators, Inter Miami entered their MLS title defense campaign with great confidence. However, the reality on the field was completely the opposite of expectations. The pink-clad team was completely outplayed by LAFC in terms of both possession and intensity of play.
Although coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi had recovered from his hamstring injury, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner at the age of 38 still seemed to lack the agility in his legs. Throughout the 90 minutes, Messi failed to register a single shot on target — an alarming statistic for a player who once dominated every competition.
The contrast between Son Heung-min and Messi
The match was not just a clash between two clubs, but also a silent battle between two football icons of Asia and South America. Son Heung-min, the 33-year-old star who recently left Tottenham Hotspur, showed intense desire. He was the one who assisted David Martinez's opening goal, initiating LAFC's crushing victory.
Notably, the atmosphere in the stands reflected a significant shift. The number of fans wearing Son Heung-min's jersey completely overwhelmed those wearing Inter Miami's traditional pink kit. When Messi fell in the final minutes without a whistle from the referee, instead of anxiety, a wave of boos erupted throughout the LA Coliseum, showing the immense pressure weighing on the Argentinian captain.
The question of form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
This defeat not only affects Inter Miami's standing in MLS but also raises serious questions for the Argentine national team. With the 2026 World Cup just four months away, Messi's fitness and ball control are becoming the focus of attention.
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni once emphasized that six months is a long time and things can change. Currently, Messi is racing against time to prove he is still capable of playing at the highest intensity. If he doesn't improve soon in the upcoming MLS matches, his position at the biggest football tournament on the planet could be in jeopardy.
Match statistics LAFC 3-0 Inter Miami:
- Goals:David Martinez, Denis Bouanga, Nathan Ordaz.
- Construction:Son Heung-min (1).
- Messi's shot on target:0.
- Audiences:75,600 people.
Overall, a loss on the opening day isn't a disaster for Inter Miami, but it's a harsh warning for Messi personally. The inability to connect with new teammates like German Berterme shows that Mascherano's team has a lot of work to do if they want to successfully defend their title.
