Inter Miami ratings vs LAFC: Messi quiet as title defense stumbles

Inter Miami slipped to a 3-0 defeat at LAFC as Lionel Messi struggled to influence the game and the Herons looked vulnerable at the back. LAFC punished Miami on three clinical counterattacks, suggesting they could be serious challengers for this season's MLS Cup.

Messi was seldom involved in the first half; LAFC opened the scoring after 38 minutes when David Martinez finished a swift break. Messi curled narrowly wide before half-time. He saw more of the ball after the restart and Tadeo Allende added some quality from the bench, but Miami never fashioned a clear chance.

Bouanga scored the second in the 73rd minute and later set up Nathan Ordaz for the 91st-minute finish. Player ratings from the LA Coliseum were: Dayne St. Clair (4/10); Ian Fray (5/10); Maxi Falcon (5/10); Micael (5/10); Noah Allen (6/10); Rodrigo De Paul (6/10); Yannick Bright (7/10); Lionel Messi (7/10); Mateo Silvetti (5/10); German Berterame (4/10); Telasco Segovia (5/10).

United States, Los Angeles

inter miami, lafc, lionel messi, mls cup, la coliseum, david martinez, bouanga, nathan ordaz, player ratings, tadeo allende