Inter Miami Silenced by LAFC 3-0, Lionel Messi Frustrated Without Sergio Busquets

Inter Miami started the MLS season with disappointing results after losing 0-3 to LAFC in the opening match, Sunday morning, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This defeat immediately highlighted one main problem that had not been resolved, namely the absence of Sergio Busquets, who had retired.

Played in front of 75,673 spectators, which is the second largest attendance in history MLS and the highest for the opening week of the season, the hosts appeared more prepared. LAFC’s new coach, Marc Dos Santos, opened his reign with an emphatic victory over the reigning MLS champions.

David Martinez paved the way for the Black and Gold’s victory. Nathan Ordaz and Denis Bouanga then added goals to ensure a three-goal lead without reply. The final score could have even been bigger if LAFC’s finishing had been sharper.

The Impact of Sergio Busquets’ Absence

This match was Inter Miami’s first match without Sergio Busquets since the midfielder decided to retire. His absence was felt clearly, especially in setting the tempo and maintaining balance in the midfield.

The moment LAFC’s second goal scored by Bouanga showed this gap. There are no players who come down quickly to organize the defense. Situations like this have previously been a characteristic of Busquets, who is known for being good at reading the game as well as moving the ball quickly and accurately into dangerous areas to start attacks.

Rodrigo De Paul is projected to fill that important role. However, with a number of changes in the composition of the squad, the adaptation process does not appear to be going smoothly. It was recorded that the three starters in this match did not play for the club last season, so coordination between lines still takes time.

Messi looks annoyed

Lionel Messi had a relatively quiet night in its usual measure. He was seen showing expressions of frustration several times, especially when the team had difficulty building play and faced physical approaches from LAFC.

The lack of game cohesion meant that Inter Miami was unable to control the match as expected. In fact, their status as one of the favorites to win the 2026 MLS Cup remains intact.

On the other hand, this victory gives an initial message from LAFC that they are worthy of being taken into account in this season’s competition. At least in the first week, Black and Gold showed more mature readiness than the defending champions.