MLS Week 1 Roundup: Messi, LAFC & Young Stars Shine | 2026 Season

Exactly 10 weeks after Inter Miami’s championship victory in Fort Lauderdale, Major League Soccer returned with a characteristically breathless opening weekend, delivering 46 goals across all matches – an average of 3.07 per game, slightly exceeding last season’s 3.0 average. The weekend offered a compelling mix of results, from statement wins to promising debuts, setting the stage for a competitive 2026 season.

The marquee matchup of the weekend pitted reigning MLS Cup champions Inter Miami against LAFC. Held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and drawing a record crowd of 75,673 – the second-largest attendance in league history – the game ended in a decisive 3-0 victory for LAFC.

The result served as a clear statement of intent from LAFC, widely considered a top contender for this year’s MLS Cup. While Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, entered the season as favorites, their performance against LAFC highlighted potential vulnerabilities. The game underscored LAFC’s effectiveness in transition and their ability to defend their penalty area with discipline, particularly when facing Messi’s attacking prowess.

“The way we defended the box was excellent,” said first-year LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos, praising his team’s collective effort. “The way we followed runners in the box, how we moved our feet around the 18, and how we didn’t allow their one-twos to get through us was exceptional. For me, that was the best part of our team today.”

The victory was secured through goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga, and Nathan Ordaz, with an assist from Son Heung-min, who played a pivotal role in the opening goal. LAFC’s dominance was evident despite Inter Miami controlling possession with 63% of the ball. Dos Santos even playfully remarked on Messi’s performance, stating, “I don’t know if he took a pill before the match or what happened.”

The win for LAFC also highlighted the challenges Inter Miami faces in defending their title, particularly with the departure of key players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Only three teams in MLS history have achieved back-to-back championships, the last being the LA Galaxy in 2011, and 2012.

Bradley Trusts the Kids

Elsewhere, Red Bull New York impressed with a dominant performance against Orlando City, earning a 2-1 victory. Notably, Red Bull fielded a historically young lineup, featuring three players aged 17 or younger. Debutant head coach Michael Bradley’s decision to trust youth paid dividends, with Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti standing out as key performers.

The Red Bulls generated an impressive 4.5 expected goals (xG), showcasing their attacking intent. Winger Cade Cowell proved particularly dangerous, creating five chances and completing 4 of 6 dribbles. Bradley praised his young players for their performance, emphasizing their competitiveness and commitment to playing their style of soccer.

“I was really proud of the way they played, really proud of the way they competed,” Bradley said. “We try to play our football. We try to go after the other team. We try to put the game on our terms.”

Imitation and Retaliation in D.C.

A particularly satisfying victory for Philadelphia Union came against D.C. United, securing a 1-0 win. This marked D.C. United’s first victory over Philadelphia since 2021, ending a streak of lopsided defeats. Tai Baribo, who transferred from Philadelphia to D.C. United during the offseason, scored the decisive goal, adding a layer of narrative to the result.

D.C. United’s performance demonstrated a newfound physicality and tactical approach under head coach René Weiler, effectively disrupting Philadelphia’s typically dominant style of play. However, they faced a late challenge as they struggled to maintain control after a red card to Ezekiel Alladoh.

The victory was a significant step for D.C. United, signaling a potential turnaround after years of struggles. Weiler’s team will face a challenging stretch of games in March, including away matches against Austin, Chicago, and Atlanta, as well as a home game against Miami at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

On the World Cup Radar

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, several MLS players are looking to make a strong impression on their national team coaches. Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta earned praise for his performance, while Houston Dynamo’s Jack McGlynn showcased his playmaking ability with a key assist. FC Dallas’s Petar Musa also made a strong case for inclusion in the Croatian national team with a two-goal performance.

Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan highlighted Acosta’s performance, stating, “He played at a very, very high level tonight, getting so many plays right… He was outstanding.”

Nashville SC’s fluid 4-1 rout of New England, fueled by the connection between Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, further underscored the league’s growing attacking talent. Surridge’s two goals put him early in the Golden Boot conversation.

Finally, San Diego FC’s impressive 5-0 victory over CF Montréal demonstrated the effectiveness of their game model and raised expectations for the expansion side. The result also highlighted concerns for Montréal, who face a challenging road schedule due to winter weather conditions.