The Digest:
Inter Miami's MLS Cup title defense got off to a disastrous start with a 3-0 defeat to LAFC at the LA Coliseum, where Lionel Messi was unable to make an impact and defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed. LAFC took the lead through David Martinez's tidy finish in the 38th minute after a quick counterattack. Denis Bouanga added the second in the 73rd, darting behind the defense and rounding goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair before side-footing into an empty net. Bouanga then set up Nathan Ordaz for the third in stoppage time. Messi was seldom involved, curling narrowly wide in his only real chance. Player ratings: Yannick Bright (7/10) was Miami's best performer, while German Berterame endured a "remarkably poor debut" (4/10). Manager Javier Mascherano received 4/10 for "a miserable start to the season."
Key Points:
- The defeat exposes defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of attacking cohesion.
- It serves as an early warning that MLS Cup defense will be challenging.
- Miami's title hopes suffer an early setback, while LAFC emerges as a serious contender.
- This signals that even with Messi, Miami must improve significantly.
- The timing, opening day, allows time for recovery.
Sources: GOAL, MLS
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