UPDATE: The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is set to make headlines as they open the 2026 Major League Soccer season by hosting Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF on February 21, 2026, at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This highly anticipated matchup promises to captivate soccer fans and marks a significant start to the league’s new season.
In an announcement made earlier today, MLS revealed the complete schedule for the upcoming year, and LAFC’s opening day clash is a standout event. The match will take place in front of the Coliseum’s 77,500-seat capacity, setting the stage for an electric atmosphere. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars as tickets for this and other regular-season home games will go on sale at 10 a.m. on December 8.
LAFC’s schedule includes a robust slate of 34 games, with 15 matches scheduled before the league pauses for the FIFA World Cup from May 25 to July 16. Notably, none of these initial games feature their fierce rivals, the L.A. Galaxy. The first of two highly anticipated “El Tráfico” derbies will occur on July 17, broadcast nationally on FOX from Dignity Health Sports Park.
The club will play five matches on FOX or FS1, and all games will be available on Apple TV. Key games include away matches against Austin on March 21, Portland on April 19, and Minnesota on April 25. LAFC’s home finale is set for October 31, against Minnesota United, adding an exciting Halloween twist to the season.
Following the season opener against Miami, LAFC will transition to their permanent home, the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium, located just across from the Coliseum, for the remaining home games. The team will also face Eastern Conference rivals such as Orlando and New York City at Exposition Park.
For fans eager to see Messi in action, this first match against Inter Miami not only marks a new chapter for LAFC but also highlights the growing allure of MLS in attracting global soccer icons. The excitement around Messi’s participation is expected to draw significant attention, both locally and internationally.
The 2026 All-Star Game is scheduled for July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the postseason will unfold following the November FIFA window with a month-long series of MLS Cup playoff games, details of which will be announced subsequently.
As the league gears up for a thrilling new season, the anticipation is palpable. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for ticket details and further updates as LAFC embarks on another exciting journey in Major League Soccer.
This announcement signals not just the start of a new season but also an opportunity for fans to witness legendary talents like Messi up close, making it an unmissable event in the soccer calendar. Follow along as LAFC aims to make significant strides in the upcoming season, starting with this monumental opener.
