While Lionel Messi is currently working to pilot Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup, the league has officially announced the new 2026 season schedule. As a result, The Herons now know who the first opponent will be at their new home, Miami Freedom Park.
“The Club’s 2026 regular season is set to begin on the road against LAFC on Saturday, Feb. 21 and will feature the long-awaited MLS home opener at Inter Miami’s new home against Austin FC on April 4,” Inter Miami announced in an official statement.
Inter Miami will open their season against LAFC on the road in an attractive duel between Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min. Following that match, they will play four more games on the road, and fans will not get to experience the new Miami Freedom Park until the home opener on April 4th against Austin FC.
Some fans may be somewhat dissatisfied with having to wait so long to debut the new stadium. However, there is a possibility that Inter Miami could open the stadium as MLS Cup champions, as they are still competing, with the Conference Semifinals set for Sunday, November 23rd, against FC Cincinnati.
Messi about playing on Miami Freedom Park
One of the primary goals the Inter Miami leadership set was to successfully renew Lionel Messi’s contract so that the Argentine star would be part of the team debuting at Miami Freedom Park, which will have a capacity for over 25,000 spectators.
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They ultimately managed to extend Messi’s commitment until 2028, and following the renewal, the Argentine expressed his excitement about playing for the first time in the new venue, which will be Inter Miami’s new home.
“We are all very excited for the moment when we can finally play in Miami Freedom Park. We look forward to it being finished so we can enjoy it from the inside, in our new home, and so that the fans can enjoy it too. It’s going to be very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium,” Messi explained.
