LAFC Dominates Inter Miami in Messi's Debut, MLS Season Kicks Off

75,673 fans witness LAFC's 3-0 victory over defending champions in season opener

Feb. 22, 2026 at 3:13pm

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The 2026 MLS season kicked off with a resounding 3-0 victory for LAFC over defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami, led by global superstar Lionel Messi. The match, held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, drew the second-largest regular season attendance in MLS history as the league continues to attract international talent and grow its global reach.

Why it matters

The influx of global stars like Messi and Son Heung-min is dramatically shifting the landscape of MLS, expanding the league's reach and attracting new fans worldwide. LAFC's tactical approach to neutralizing Messi also highlights the growing sophistication of MLS teams in competing with top international talent.

The details

LAFC's victory was not solely reliant on star power, as head coach Marc Dos Santos emphasized the team's game plan and collective discipline in closely tracking Messi's movements off the ball. The match also marked the beginning of a new chapter for LAFC following the departure of Steve Cherundolo, with Dos Santos' promotion from within the technical staff signaling a commitment to continuity and building upon the club's established identity.

  • The 2026 MLS season kicked off on February 22, 2026.
  • The LAFC vs. Inter Miami match was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The players

Lionel Messi

A global superstar who made his MLS debut with Inter Miami in this match.

Marc Dos Santos

The new head coach of LAFC, promoted from within the technical staff to build upon the club's established identity.

David Martínez

An LAFC player who noted the impact of international talent like Son Heung-min on the team's professionalism and experience.

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What they’re saying

“The presence of players like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min is dramatically shifting the landscape of Major League Soccer.”

— David Martínez, LAFC player

“Our success in neutralizing Messi was a direct result of our game plan and collective discipline.”

— Marc Dos Santos, LAFC head coach

What’s next

MLS Commissioner Don Garber discussed the league's plans to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a pause in the MLS schedule during the tournament and the scheduling of matches around the World Cup semifinals and final.

The takeaway

The combination of attracting global superstars, strategic tactical approaches, and leveraging major events like the World Cup positions MLS for continued growth and success, evolving the league from a developing soccer market to a significant player on the international stage.