Messi vs Son Heung Min Face Off Match; Who Will Win?

Major League Soccer kicks off its 2026 campaign with a blockbuster matchup as Los Angeles FC welcomes defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF to the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, February 21, at 6:30 p.m. PT (9:30 p.m. ET).

The game, billed as the Walmart Saturday Showdown and streamed exclusively on Apple TV, marks LAFC’s ninth MLS regular-season opener and the league’s first match of the year. Instead of their usual home at BMO Stadium (capacity 22,000), LAFC opted for the historic 102-year-old Coliseum, expecting a crowd exceeding 60,000 — potentially setting a new record for the largest attendance in an MLS season opener.

Inter Miami, fresh off lifting the MLS Cup in December 2025, travels west to defend its title against a formidable LAFC side that has amassed more goals, wins and points than any other MLS club over the past eight seasons. The matchup features two of the league’s biggest stars: Lionel Messi for Inter Miami and new LAFC signing Son Heung-min, the South Korean forward who joined from Tottenham Hotspur and has generated massive excitement in Los Angeles’ large Korean community.

Messi, the Inter Miami captain, was confirmed available by coach Javier Mascherano, setting up a highly anticipated clash between the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Son, a Premier League Golden Boot winner known for his pace, finishing and leadership. The game represents the first time the two most expensive players in MLS history face off, adding extra intrigue to an already star-studded contest.

LAFC enters the season with momentum after a strong preseason and a dominant 6-1 Concacaf Champions Cup win over Real España in Honduras earlier this week. Coach Steve Cherundolo’s squad boasts attacking depth with Denis Bouanga (26 goals in recent seasons), Olivier Giroud and others, complemented by Son’s arrival to bolster the front line. The Black & Gold hold an unbeaten record in MLS season openers (8W-0L-0D), a league mark they aim to extend.

Inter Miami, under Mascherano, brings championship pedigree and firepower led by Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The Herons’ title defense begins on the road in a hostile environment, testing their ability to handle high expectations and travel early in the campaign.

The venue shift to the Coliseum — site of two Summer Olympics and countless historic events — promises an electric atmosphere. An estimated 60,000+ fans will pack the stands, far surpassing typical MLS crowds and underscoring the growing popularity of the league. The game also highlights MLS’s push for marquee matchups in iconic venues to boost visibility.

Pre-match buzz focused on tactical battles: LAFC’s high-pressing style against Inter Miami’s possession-based play, and individual duels like Messi vs. LAFC’s midfield and Son exploiting spaces. Predictions vary, with some analysts favoring LAFC’s home advantage and depth, while others see Inter Miami’s experience carrying them to a statement win.

The contest airs globally on Apple TV, with additional broadcasts in Korea via Coupang Play and SpoTV. Tickets sold briskly since going on sale in December 2025, with priority for season members and groups.

As MLS enters its 31st season, this opener sets the tone for a year of expansion, star power and competitive balance. LAFC seeks to reclaim supremacy in the West, while Inter Miami aims to prove its championship was no fluke.

Kickoff at the Coliseum promises drama, goals and a fitting start to what could be one of MLS’s most exciting campaigns yet. Fans worldwide tune in for what could be a classic from the opening whistle.