Son Heung-min's LAFC triumphs over Messi and Inter Miami in MLS opener
Son Heung-min outshone Lionel Messi in a clash of Major League Soccer's biggest international stars, paving the way for a convincing 3-0 victory for Los Angeles FC against Inter Miami during the league's opening round.
The popular South Korean player, now settling into his debut full campaign in Los Angeles, provided the assist for David Martinez's goal in the first half, with Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz later adding to the scoreline.
Leading the Black-and-Gold's dynamic forward line, Son repeatedly glided through the heart of Miami's backline throughout the match, greeted by thunderous support from approximately 76,000 spectators, marking the second-highest crowd in MLS records.
The Saturday evening fixture was shifted to the vast Memorial Coliseum to meet the huge interest in facing off the league's most famous duo, as MLS chief Don Garber noted that they could have filled LAFC's home ground five times over.
Yet for the many who attended hoping to witness the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient Messi in action, opportunities were scarce, with Miami struggling to create clear chances on LAFC's net despite holding the ball for much of the game.
LAFC began with energy, conceding possession to Miami but launching quick counters.
The Gabonese forward Bouanga proved a constant threat from the start, feeding Son for a clear chance. However, the South Korean opted to dribble and missed the target, steering wide to the goalkeeper's right.
In response, Messi appeared somewhat subdued after limited preparation following a hamstring injury from a recent friendly.
The Argentine icon frequently surrendered the ball, and as Miami's annoyance grew, LAFC capitalised.
After Rodrigo De Paul was dispossessed near the halfway line, Son received the loose ball and exploited the retreating Miami defence's space.
He intelligently passed to the right for Martinez, who bent a crisp first-time effort around the goalkeeper and into the near corner.
Martinez nearly repeated the feat in added time before the interval, but his shot drifted just past the post. Shortly after, Messi's initial real opportunity from distance sailed narrowly astray.
Miami pushed harder post-half-time, with Messi dictating play and unleashing another effort that cleared the bar by little.
Near the 60-minute point, the World Cup hero clashed heads with Ryan Porteous and lay prone briefly, yet he rose again to the delight of his squad and supporters.
LAFC comfortably absorbed the onslaught. Their resilience paid off soon enough.
From midway in his own territory, Timothy Tillman lofted a superb pass to Bouanga, who nodded it beyond the advancing keeper, sidestepped him, and finished into the empty goal.
Son came close to a second assist, cutting back from the flank for Bouanga, though the forward failed to connect properly.
The South Korean was substituted late on, seeming a touch displeased despite the warm reception from the crowd.
His substitute Ordaz wrapped up the contest, converting neatly after Bouanga's twisting run along the left wing.