Lionel Messi's Inter Miami is set to take on Los Angeles FC this Saturday at 11:30 PM for the inaugural match of the MLS 2026 season. Under the management of Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami aims to defend the championship title they secured in 2025. Meanwhile, Los Angeles FC, coached by Marc Dos Santos, intends to capitalize on home advantage in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The game will be available for live viewing on Apple TV, the platform responsible for broadcasting all MLS matches.

For Inter Miami, this will mark their first official match of the season following an extensive tour in South America, where Messi, a critical player for the team, suffered a hamstring strain during a friendly against Barcelona de Guayaquil. His absence led to the cancellation of a match against Independiente del Valle, raising concerns within the Miami franchise. However, 'La Pulga' returned to training just a week later and is expected to be fit for the highly anticipated clash against Los Angeles FC.

This opening match carries significant implications for both teams as they kick off their campaigns for the season. For Inter Miami, regaining momentum and showcasing Messi's talent will be vital after a challenging preseason. Conversely, Los Angeles FC will seek to establish dominance at home, hoping to start their season on a strong note. As fans gear up for this encounter, the stakes are high as both teams aim to make an early statement in the 2026 MLS season.