Inter Miami and Lionel Messi open their MLS title defense against LAFC in Los Angeles, as two early favorites to lift the MLS Cup collide right out of the gate. The reigning champions arrive with confidence after conquering the league last season, while LAFC look to turn home field into a statement in one of the most anticipated openers of the year.
Inter Miami captured the 2025 MLS Cup at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps, sealing a 3-1 victory behind an own goal from Ădier Ocampo and strikes from Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende. The Herons enter the new campaign with fresh faces such as GermĂĄn Berterame and Sergio ReguilĂłn, but they have retained their core, including Lionel Messi, Luis SuĂĄrez, and De Paul, keeping expectations sky-high.
LAFC, meanwhile, were eliminated dramatically last season, falling on penalties after a 2-2 draw against Vancouver in the Western Conference Final. They already kicked off 2026 with authority, thrashing Real España 6-1 on the road in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, powered by a Denis Bouanga hat trick and goals from David MartĂnez, Timothy Tillman, and Heung-Min Son, while newcomers Stephen EustĂĄquio and Tyler Boyd also made their presence felt.
