Messi and Son Ignite Record-Breaking MLS Season Opener as LAFC Battles Inter Miami

Tinseltown understands star power, and this was evident on Saturday evening as a record-breaking audience of 75,673 spectators gathered to witness Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, Denis Bouanga, Rodrigo De Paul and numerous other luminaries in LAFC's commanding 3–0 season-debut triumph over Inter Miami.

Rather than staging the premier fixture at BMO Stadium, LAFC's traditional venue, the organization relocated the contest to the iconic Los Angeles Coliseum, which functioned as the main site for the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games and will accommodate the LA 2028 Olympics too.

The enormous attendance to launch the 31st MLS campaign established the greatest-ever crowd for an MLS opening weekend fixture and the second-largest single-game attendance in league records, surpassed only by the 82,110 supporters who filled the Rose Bowl for the LA Galaxy's 2–1 El Tráfico victory against LAFC on July 4, 2023.

With the grand platform, the superstars and the season-opener appeal, the enormous crowds ensured they would create history. They certainly contributed to LAFC's commanding performance, considering the ocean of Black and Gold throughout the venue, with minimal pink sections for Miami fans.

Beyond achieving the historic milestone for MLS attendance records, the match also registered as the most-attended in world soccer on Saturday, benefiting from a greater stadium capacity than most elite European and South American teams were utilizing.

LAFC Put on Show for Home Supporters

LAFC Delivered Spectacle for Local Fans

While the audience arrived to witness MLS's finest talent, the match went smoothly for LAFC, with Son recording an assist, Bouanga scoring a goal, and youngsters Nathan Ordaz and David Martínez contributing to the comprehensive victory for the hosts.

"The energy in the venue was excellent for the squad," Bouanga shared with media after the game. "We understand the supporters are here to back us. It's beneficial for my colleagues and myself as we advance through the season."

Having secured the season-opening victory, LAFC now focuses on Tuesday to complete their opening round Concacaf Champions Cup matchup against Honduran club Real España following a 6–1 advantage in the first leg, before returning to MLS action versus the Houston Dynamo on Feb. 28. Miami, conversely, aims to recover against Florida competitors Orlando City on March 1.

Top 10 Regular Season Attendances in MLS History

Leading 10 Regular Season Crowds in MLS Records