LAFC's Commanding Victory Over Inter Miami Underscores Value of Team Cohesion
The opening weekend of Major League Soccer in 2026 delivered high drama and significant statements, none louder than Los Angeles FC's emphatic 3-0 triumph over defending champions Inter Miami. This match not only highlighted the contrasting fortunes of two glamour franchises but also emphasized the critical importance of roster stability and tactical familiarity in achieving early-season success.
Messi's Frustration and Miami's Defensive Woes Exposed
In a surprising turn of events, Lionel Messi found himself at the center of post-match controversy despite playing the full ninety minutes. The Argentine superstar was held without a goal contribution, failing to place either of his shot attempts on target and seeing all three created chances go unconverted by his teammates. After the final whistle, Messi confronted match officials in the tunnel, a situation that required intervention from his close friend Luis Suárez to defuse. An MLS spokesperson later clarified that this incident did not occur at the referee's locker room door, and a league review determined Messi had not violated any policies.
Inter Miami's disjointed performance was starkly evident on LAFC's second goal, where defensive miscommunication proved costly. Playing an aggressive high-line after conceding the opener, center backs Micael and Maxi Falcón remained in the attacking half even after LAFC regained possession deep within their own territory. This lapse allowed Denis Bouanga, the dynamic winger from Gabon, to exploit vast open space, sprinting unimpeded into Miami's half while new goalkeeper Dayne St Clair was caught in no man's land outside the box.
LAFC's Continuity and Dos Santos' Tactical Acumen Pay Dividends
In stark contrast, LAFC demonstrated the benefits of continuity and a well-drilled system. Ten of the starters in Saturday's season opener were part of the squad that fell to last year's Western Conference champion, Vancouver. Under new head coach Marc Dos Santos, who replaced the outgoing Steve Cherundolo, LAFC has focused on increasing their share of touches without abandoning the core principles that made Cherundolo's tenure so successful. This seamless transition, bolstered by the intangible chemistry forged through roster stability, enabled LAFC to deliver the most resounding statement possible: a comprehensive blowout of Messi's Miami.
"I never mentioned the past to the players," Dos Santos remarked post-match. "I talked about what we can really become and the future. I have a good group of guys who are good people and have strong mentalities. When you have a group that likes being together, they know what they have to do on the field. It's amazing for a coach. MLS is not a walk in the park, and it's not like everything is 'Alice in Wonderland.' It is hard sometimes, and we have to be ready."
João Klauss Emerges as a Throwback Solution for the LA Galaxy
Elsewhere in the league, the LA Galaxy may have found their striker solution in João Klauss, a signing that bucks the trend of high-profile Galácticos but addresses pressing needs. Historically, the Galaxy have favored notable names like Robbie Keane, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Javier Hernandez. However, with talismanic midfielder Riqui Puig sidelined for a second season due to a knee injury, the club used its newly opened Designated Player slot on Klauss, a 28-year-old forward known for his aerial prowess and efficient play.
Klauss made an immediate impact in the Galaxy's Sunday matinee against New York City FC, scoring just over a minute into the match. After some nifty passing in the attacking third, Marco Reus squared the ball to Klauss, who calmly slotted it home with his left foot. Listed at 6ft 3in, Klauss represents a throwback center forward—strong in buildup, effective in pressing, and capable of maximizing limited touches. His presence is particularly valuable given the Galaxy's reliance on wingers Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec, arguably the league's best tandem, to drive transitions during Puig's absence.
Despite Klauss's promising start, the Galaxy ultimately settled for a draw after a controversial red card led to an NYC FC equalizer from the penalty spot. Issues remain in goal and depth across several positions, but Klauss's early contribution has already injected more optimism than the Galaxy experienced for much of 2025.
Baribo's Pointed Celebration Highlights Emotional Opening Weekend
The opening weekend also featured emotional moments, such as Tai Baribo's pointed celebration after scoring against his former club. The Israel international, traded from the Union to DC United in the offseason, netted the winning goal in one of the weekend's more surprising results. In a twist of fate, Baribo initially thought he had scored the opener just eight minutes in, celebrating enthusiastically only for the goal to be ruled offside. Undeterred, he found the back of the net for real about fourteen minutes later, underscoring the personal narratives that enrich the MLS landscape.
As the 2026 season unfolds, these early matches have set a compelling tone, showcasing the league's competitive balance, the impact of strategic continuity, and the immediate contributions of new signings. With teams like LAFC leveraging cohesion and others like the Galaxy banking on targeted acquisitions, the race for MLS supremacy promises to be fiercely contested.
