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LAFC Rout Inter Miami 3-0 in MLS Opener as League Reviews Messi Postgame Incident

League officials are assessing footage plus the referee report on Messi’s approach to officials, leaving his availability for Orlando uncertain.

Overview

  • LAFC beat the reigning champions 3-0 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with goals from David Martínez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz.
  • An announced 75,673 attended the marquee Messi–Son Heung‑min matchup, the second‑largest crowd in MLS history.
  • Video showed Messi moving toward the referees’ area after the match as Luis Suárez pulled him back, though PRO said he did not enter the officials’ locker room.
  • MLS is reviewing the footage and match report, making disciplinary action possible, with observers noting the Matt Miazga case as recent precedent.
  • Messi started after a hamstring issue but had limited impact for a retooled Miami missing retired stalwarts Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while Marc Dos Santos marked a winning LAFC debut.