Inter Miami begin title defence against LAFC in 2026 MLS opener
Lionel Messi leads defending champions Inter Miami against Son Heung-min’s LAFC this weekend as the 2026 Major League Soccer season gets under way.
The highly anticipated campaign kicks off on Saturday at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
It promises to be a defining year for the league, with the 2026 World Cup taking place across North America this summer.
Two of the tournament’s biggest potential stars will be on display immediately.
The Argentine legend guided the Florida franchise to their first domestic league title last season.
However, the South Korean captain is aiming to knock the champions off their perch after a sensational half-season following his arrival last summer.
Mascherano reshapes the Herons
While the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the focal point, the supporting cast in South Florida has undergone a significant transformation.
Former Barcelona stalwarts Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba departed the club following the MLS Cup triumph.
Manager Javier Mascherano has moved decisively to fill those vacancies and strengthen the squad’s depth.
Sergio Reguilon, formerly of Tottenham and Real Madrid, has been recruited to take over the left-back position.
In midfield, David Ayala has arrived from the Portland Timbers to partner fellow World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul.
Defensive reinforcements
Consistency at the back was a concern despite last season’s success.
To address this, the club have signed MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St Clair from Minnesota United.
The Canada international is expected to take the number one shirt immediately.
Further defensive cover comes in the form of centre-back Micael, who returns to the league after a stint with Brazilian side Palmeiras.
Tactical evolution for Messi
The champions have also made a statement signing in the final third by acquiring German Berterame from Monterrey.
The arrival of the consistent Liga MX scorer offers Mascherano new tactical flexibility.
It is expected that Luis Suarez will now operate largely as an impact substitute.
This shift allows the Miami captain to revert to his preferred number 10 role, moving away from the false nine position he occupied during the title run.
With the roster rebuilt and expectations higher than ever, the road to back-to-back titles begins in Los Angeles.