A highly anticipated match between LAFC and Inter Miami is set to kick off the new MLS season. The game features Lionel Messi and marks the beginning of Inter Miami's title defense.
The stakes are high for this opening fixture. Inter Miami, as the reigning MLS Cup champions, enter the season with the aim of repeating their success. Los Angeles FC, another strong contender, will look to start their campaign with a victory on home ground. The presence of Lionel Messi, a prominent figure in global soccer, further amplifies the interest surrounding this matchup.
Match Details and Context
The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, with kickoff at 9:30 p.m. ET. It will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Coverage will be available on Apple TV.
Inter Miami's previous season saw them win the MLS Cup. Lionel Messi was a key player, earning the MVP award and contributing significantly to the team's offense. This match is seen as the official start of their journey to defend that championship. LAFC is also noted as a team with considerable strength, with mentions of players like Denis Bouanga.
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Squad Information and Formations
Lineups are being announced, and players are warming up in preparation for the match. Detailed information on formations for both LAFC and Inter Miami is expected closer to kickoff.
Inter Miami's team news indicates that Lionel Messi is in the starting XI for this game.
Historical Performance
A look at past encounters between these two teams shows a close competition:
| Team | Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles FC | 3 | |
| Inter Miami CF | 2 |
This head-to-head record suggests a slight historical advantage for LAFC, though recent form and team dynamics will be crucial factors in this upcoming match.
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Recent Relevant Encounters
While the focus is on the MLS season opener, LAFC and Inter Miami have met in other competitions. In a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal playoff in April 2025, LAFC secured a 1-0 victory over Inter Miami, with Nathan Ordaz scoring the decisive goal. Lionel Messi was held scoreless in that particular match. This result offers a glimpse into LAFC's ability to challenge Inter Miami in competitive settings.
League Standing Context
At the time of this reporting, current league standings place LAFC 7th and Inter Miami CF 8th. It's important to note that these rankings are based on pre-season or early season data and may not reflect the full competitive landscape as the season progresses.
Expert and Media Insights
Inter Miami is officially recognized as the team to beat following their MLS Cup win in December. Lionel Messi's performance last season, where he was involved in 48 goals, has been highlighted as a significant factor in their success. The league operates under a salary cap, which can affect team building strategies. The odds for the match show LAFC at +101, a Draw at +270, and Inter Miami at +240.
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Conclusion and Outlook
The opening match of the MLS season between LAFC and Inter Miami is a significant event, featuring the defending champions and a star-studded Inter Miami side led by Lionel Messi. Historical data and recent competitive meetings provide context, but the new season introduces fresh dynamics. The game's outcome will set an early tone for both teams' aspirations in the league.
Primary Sources Used:
en.as.com: Provided details on the match kickoff, venue, and confirmed Lionel Messi's inclusion in the starting lineup.
https://en.as.com/soccer/lafc-inter-miami-live-online-score-stats-goals-mls-updates-f202602-d/
cbssports.com: Offered the official date, time, location, and broadcast information, along with betting odds and context on Inter Miami's championship status and Messi's MVP award.
https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/lafc-inter-miami-lionel-messi-live-stream-odds-news-channel-time/
espn.com: Confirmed the match details, including venue and time, and indicated that lineups were being announced and players were warming up.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/match//gameId/761448/inter-miami-cf-lafc
sofascore.com: Provided current league rankings for both teams (LAFC 7th, Inter Miami CF 8th).
https://www.sofascore.com/football/match/inter-miami-cf-los-angeles-fc/aTjcsccKc
fotmob.com: Detailed the historical head-to-head record between the two clubs (LAFC 3 wins, Inter Miami CF 2 wins, 0 draws) and noted Inter Miami CF had no unavailable players.
https://www.fotmob.com/matches/los-angeles-fc-vs-inter-miami-cf/lbjvj8kg
latimes.com: Reported on a previous CONCACAF Champions Cup match where LAFC defeated Inter Miami 1-0, highlighting that Lionel Messi was held scoreless in that specific game.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/lafc/story/2025-04-02/lafc-vs-inter-miami-lionel-messi
article.wn.com: Offered a summary that reiterated the game as Inter Miami's title defense kickoff and noted the presence of Lionel Messi and his team.
https://article.wn.com/view-electricity/2026/02/22/LAFCvsInterMiamiliveupdatesscoreLionelMessiandCok/
