MLS: Bouanga kicks off 2026 in style as LAFC dominate Messi’s Inter Miami

Expectations are sky high for Los Angeles FC this season and the Black and Gold got their 2026 Major League Soccer campaign off to a dream start on Saturday evening with a 3-0 victory over Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.

BOUANGAAAAA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BGOHiF5MTE

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2026

Denis Bouanga picked up where he left off after scoring 26 goals last season in league play. With his team up 1-0 in the 73rd minute, the Gabonese superstar got on the end of a long ball and went around goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to put the hosts beyond reach.

The MLS season kicked off on Saturday and defending champions Miami were sent a firm message by a team that is considered their greatest challenge to a repeat. Dynamic duo Son Heung-Min and Bouanga both contributed, with the Korean providing an assist on the opening goal from David Martínez.

Bouanga completed a MOTM performance by setting up Nathan Ordaz for one more goal in stoppage time.

Bouanga –> Ordaz

GAME OVER. LAFC take down Miami. pic.twitter.com/c0MUCrbNfo

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2026

The team’s potential was on full display earlier this week following a 6-1 drubbing in Honduras against Real España in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the club are showing the ability to compete for domestic and continental honors. Bouanga produced a hat-trick in the victory.

Denis Bouanga x3️⚽️ is named The Superior Player of the Match presented by Michelob Ultra ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/Mru5IMOfoX

— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) February 18, 2026

Last campaign, Bouanga was tied for second in goals during the regular season, five shy of Messi. 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with Gabon prevented the former St. Étienne star an opportunity to keep pace with the Argentine legend during the final fixtures.

LAFC Send Early Message in 2026 MLS Season With Statement Win Over Inter Miami

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The LAFC 2026 MLS season could not have started in more emphatic fashion. With expectations sky high in Los Angeles, the Black and Gold delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over defending champions Inter Miami CF, led by global icon Lionel Messi.

From the opening whistle, Los Angeles FC looked sharp, organized, and ruthless in transition. This was not just a season opener—it was a statement performance from a club widely viewed as Miami’s biggest challenger for MLS supremacy in 2026.

Denis Bouanga Shines in LAFC 2026 MLS Season Opener

The headline performer once again was Denis Bouanga, who picked up right where he left off after scoring 26 league goals last season. The Gabonese forward was electric throughout the night and proved why he remains one of the most dangerous attackers in Major League Soccer.

With LAFC holding a 1-0 lead in the 73rd minute, Bouanga latched onto a perfectly weighted long ball. Showing composure and confidence, he rounded goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair before calmly finishing to double the advantage. The goal effectively ended Miami’s hopes of a comeback and ignited celebrations among the Black and Gold faithful.

Bouanga’s performance didn’t stop there. Deep into stoppage time, he turned provider, slipping a precise pass to Nathan Ordaz, who finished confidently to seal the 3-0 victory. It was a complete Man of the Match display—goal, assist, and constant attacking threat.

Son Heung-Min Adds Firepower to LAFC’s Attack

A major storyline heading into the LAFC 2026 MLS season was the arrival of Son Heung-min. The dynamic South Korean star wasted no time making his presence felt.

Son provided the assist for the opening goal, delivering a clever pass that allowed David Martínez to break the deadlock. The chemistry between Son and Bouanga was evident, with both players interchanging fluidly and stretching Miami’s defensive structure.

If this partnership continues to develop, LAFC may boast the most feared attacking duo in MLS this season.