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David Martínez and Son Heung-min put on a dominant display last night. LAFC absolutely dismantled defending champions Inter Miami with a stunning 2-0 victory in the 2026 MLS season opener. The Venezuelan striker’s composure combined with the Korean star’s playmaking brilliance left Lionel Messi and his squad searching for answers at LA Coliseum.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: LAFC 2, Inter Miami 0 on February 21, 2026
- Goal Scorers: David Martínez and Denis Bouanga delivered the goods
- Match Star: Son Heung-min registered two crucial assists in his opening performance
- Significance: Reigning champions Inter Miami suffer shocking defeat at home start
Martínez Strikes First After Perfect Son Setup
David Martínez wasted no time making an impact in the 38th minute. The Venezuelan forward demonstrated clinical finishing with a beautifully composed strike that gave LAFC a crucial halftime advantage. Son Heung-min orchestrated the opening with a perfectly timed pass that released Martínez into the penalty area.
The goal showcased the lethal combination developing between LAFC’s attacking players. Martínez timed his run to perfection and slotted home with confidence. Inter Miami‘s defense was caught exploiting dangerous space, unable to contain the Black and Gold’s fluid movement. This early strike set the tone for the entire match.
David Martínez scores in LAFC’s 2-0 rout of Inter Miami, Son assists twice
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Son Heung-min Announces Season Dominance with Two Assists
Son Heung-min proved why he joined LAFC as one of the league’s marquee signings. The South Korean international provided two assists in his opening performance, pulling the strings for Los Angeles with creativity and precision that Messi found impossible to counter. His vision and delivery were instrumental in dismantling Inter Miami’s typically solid defensive unit.
The 32-year-old star arrived at MLS with massive expectations. He delivered immediately in the season opener, showcasing the technical quality that made him one of football’s elite playmakers. Every pass found its intended target, and his positioning allowed LAFC to control the midfield throughout the contest.
How the Goals Unfolded
| Minute | Scorer | Assist |
| 38 | David Martínez | Son Heung-min |
| TBA | Denis Bouanga | Son Heung-min |
“Son dishes, David Martínez feasts. LAFC leads Messi and Miami.” The Twitter post perfectly captured the beautiful connection between the two goal contributors.
— Major League Soccer, Official broadcast team
Bouanga Seals Victory as Messi Struggles to Find Rhythm
Denis Bouanga scored the crucial second goal that effectively ended Inter Miami’s hopes of mounting a comeback. The LAFC forward, fresh off a spectacular performance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup preliminary round, added his name to the scoresheet with authority. Son Heung-min’s second assist extended his influence across the entire match.
Lionel Messi, despite starting for the reigning champions, could not influence the game effectively. LAFC’s suffocating defensive pressure and midfield control prevented the Argentine legend from creating opportunities. Inter Miami’s title defense got off to a devastating start, signaling that the defending MLS Cup champions face a genuine challenge to repeat.
What’s Next for Both Teams After This Shocking Result?
LAFC has announced themselves as serious contenders with this dominant opening performance. The chemistry between Martínez, Son, and Bouanga is already clicking with precision. Coach’s tactical setup completely neutralized Inter Miami’s attacking threats, setting the standard for the season ahead.
Inter Miami must regroup quickly after this humbling loss. The defending champions showed defensive vulnerabilities that opponents will exploit going forward. Messi and Germán Berterame will need to find better form after combining to create limited chances. The path to defending their title just got considerably harder after this shocking 2-0 rout.
Sources
- ESPN – Live match coverage and final score verification
- Yahoo Sports – Goal updates and player performance analysis
- USA Today – MLS season opener highlights and statistics
