India, Feb. 23 -- Lionel Messi and Inter Miami got off to a rough start in their MLS Cup title defense when David Martinez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz scored in Los Angeles FC's 3-0 victory. Son Heung-min set up Martinez's opening goal for LAFC, which emphasised its status as a primary threat to Miami's crown during a lively MLS season opener between two of the league's marquee clubs.

"This game is always special because Messi played, and we have some (desire) to want to beat Miami because Messi is there," Bouanga said. "Every player, the mentality is so high for this game. It's high for all games, but maybe this game is higher than another mentality." The matchup drew 75,673 fans - the second-largest crowd in MLS history - to the hi...