3 Key Observations from LA Galaxy's Match vs. Inter Miami on Saturday | OneFootball

For the first time ever, the Los Angeles Galaxy lost a regular season game to Inter Miami. During a futile year like this one, it shouldn't come to anyone as a surprise.

Not only are the LA Galaxy the worst team in the MLS Western Conference standings, but Lionel Messi returned for Miami. His presence was missed but quickly appreciated, as he contributed two goals, leading to the 3-1 loss for the LA Galaxy.

For the defending MLS Cup champions, it was just not another grim reminder that they are not a playoff team this season. That being said, here are three other takeaways from the LA Galaxy match against Inter Miami.

1. Marco Reus is the leader of the LA Galaxy offense.

In the months of May, June, and July, the German-born footballer was named Player of the Month by the Los Angeles Galaxy. On the season, Reus has 13 goal contributions (five goals, eight assists).

However, in the two regular season games this month for the Galaxy, he has none. Reus has taken just one shot in August. He has been called offside once in the 4-0 blowout loss to the Seattle Sounders.

Reus has one more year on his current deal but will turn 37 in the middle of next season. The former Borussia Dortmund star is still an asset to the LA Galaxy. However, he is not the long-term answer as the team's playmaker.

Los Angeles Galaxy v CF Cruz Azul - Leagues Cup Phase One | Dave Bernal/ISI Photos/GettyImages

2. Novak Micovic is NOT the future goalkeeper for the LA Galaxy.

After the 4-0 shutout against Santos in Phase One of the 2025 Leagues Cup, the Galaxy's starting goalie has allowed seven goals in the team's two games this month.

Novak Micovic allowed just as many during his first three starts to open the season (0-0-3), before being replaced by the veteran John McCarthy. Micovic went back in goal for the LA Galaxy after Rivalry Week.

McCarthy was the 2022 MLS Cup Finals MVP as he was very instrumental in the Los Angeles Galaxy winning the 2024 MLS Cup Finals. He is a free agent after this season, whereas Micovic has one more year under contract with the team.

Despite being in the Starting XI for all three of the LA Galaxy's wins, Micovic has made five saves in each of the his last two games. But the question remains, is Micovic the best option at keeper for the six-time MLS Cup winners?

3. The LA Galaxy really miss Riqui Puig.

The star midfielder from Spain has not played all season. Puig has been healing from his ACL surgery following the injury he sustained in the 2024 MLS Western Conference Finals.

With 13 goals and 16 assists, the 26-year-old shined in a stacked offense for the LA Galaxy last year. Forwards Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil haven't filled the void as expected. Newcomer Christian Ramirez has been stuck on the bench after strong performances in March and April.

There is no immediate time table for Puig's return. One thing is for sure, this year's LA Galaxy team could have surely used him to create more goals.

The next game up for the LA Galaxy is their Knockout Round match when they host Pachuca in the Leagues Cup. Kickoff is at 8:45 p.m. (PT) and 11:45 p.m. (ET).