CONFIRMATION: Messi breaks MLS record in the opening match of the 2026 season

The match between Inter Miami and LAFC in the season opener became the most attended game ever on an MLS opening weekend.

On the morning of February 22, the highlight match of the 2026 MLS opening round between LAFC and Inter Miami kicked off. These two are among the top contenders for the championship and feature two of the league’s biggest stars: Son Heung Min (LAFC) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).

The appeal of the match was proven by the crowd size. According to MLS, there were 75,673 fans who came to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to watch the game. This match had the highest attendance ever recorded for an MLS opening weekend (MLS season opener).

It is also the second highest attended match in MLS history, only behind the 82,110 spectators who watched the El Tráfico game on July 4, 2023, between LA Galaxy and LAFC at the Rose Bowl.

This achievement once again highlights the enormous attraction and influence that Messi brings to Inter Miami and the top-tier soccer league in the United States. Matches featuring him always draw significant and special attention from fans.

Regarding the match action, Inter Miami started brightly with Messi in the starting lineup. However, LAFC controlled possession. In the 6th minute, Bouanga played a through ball allowing Son to break free facing goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Son beat the keeper but the shooting angle was too narrow, missing the chance. After that, LAFC continuously exploited gaps using the speed of Son and Bouanga.

The turning point came in the 37th minute. De Paul lost the ball under pressing, Tillman intercepted and quickly moved it to the right wing. Son skillfully controlled before crossing perfectly for David Martinez to score the opening goal, 1-0.

In the second half, Inter Miami pushed forward and held more possession. Messi roamed widely, constantly seeking spaces between the lines, but LAFC’s defense maintained good shape, closing all central lanes.

While Inter Miami was desperately searching for an equalizer, they were caught on the counterattack. In the 73rd minute, Bouanga sprinted down the field, then delicately chipped the ball over St. Clair to make it 2-0. Late in the game, Suarez was brought on, but Inter Miami still lacked a decisive finishing touch; the most notable moment was Messi’s through ball to Allende, whose shot lacked precision.

In the 90+4th minute, Nathan Ordaz scored the final goal to seal a 3-0 victory for LAFC, thanks to their effective transition play.

This defeat serves as a necessary warning for Inter Miami ahead of a challenging 2026 season, especially with key players who helped them win titles like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets now retired. Messi remains outstanding, but alone he cannot carry the entire team as before.