The wait is finally over. Major League Soccer returns today, February 21, 2026, launching its most anticipated season yet with a clash of titans that feels more like a Hollywood blockbuster than a regular-season opener. In a historic first, Inter Miami CF faces Los Angeles FC under the lights of the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, expecting a sell-out crowd of over 70,000 fans. As the defending MLS Cup champions, Lionel Messi’s Miami look to establish dominance early, but they face a formidable LAFC side energized by Son Heung-min entering his first full season in Black and Gold. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon this summer, all eyes are on this Walmart Saturday Showdown to set the tone for a monumental year in American soccer.

Clash of Icons: Messi and Son Headline Opening Night

While the league’s 31st season features action across 30 clubs, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Los Angeles. This match marks the first time two reigning international captains of this caliber—Argentina’s Lionel Messi and South Korea’s Son Heung-min—will face off in an MLS regular-season game. Messi, fresh off signing a contract extension that keeps him in South Florida through 2028, enters the match fully fit despite minor muscle concerns earlier in the preseason. “He is ready, he feels good,” Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed yesterday, dispelling rumors that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner might start on the bench.

On the other side, Son Heung-min is eager to make his mark. After joining LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in a record-breaking $26 million transfer last August, Son had limited time to integrate during the 2025 campaign. Now, with a full preseason under his belt, the LAFC captain forms a terrifying attacking trident alongside Denis Bouanga and Uruguayan striker Cristian Olivera. “This is why I came to LA,” Son told reporters. “To play in these moments, against the best, in a stadium with this much history.”

New Faces, New Stakes: Roster Updates for 2026

Both clubs have retooled aggressively to compete for the Supporters' Shield. Inter Miami’s offseason was defined by the stunning acquisition of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who joins his longtime friend Messi to add grit and creativity to the midfield. The Herons also bolstered their defense with the arrival of Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilón and Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, the reigning 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. These additions suggest Miami is not content with just one title; they are building a dynasty.

LAFC has not stood still. Under manager Marc Dos Santos, the club has refined its tactical approach, shifting to a high-pressing style that suits Son’s explosive pace. The Black and Gold will also rely on the veteran leadership of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who remains a stalwart between the posts. The battle between De Paul’s midfield control and LAFC’s lightning-quick counterattacks will likely decide tonight’s contest.

A Historic Venue for a New Era

Playing this fixture at the LA Memorial Coliseum instead of BMO Stadium is a statement of intent from the league. The venue, which has hosted two Olympics and two Super Bowls, adds a layer of grandeur befitting the occasion. Ticket demand has been unprecedented, with resale prices rivaling major European finals. For MLS, filling a 70,000-seat stadium for a regular-season opener demonstrates the massive surge in popularity the league has enjoyed leading up to the World Cup.

How to Watch: MLS on Apple TV and the Walmart Saturday Showdown

Fans worldwide can stream the match live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT). This season introduces the “Walmart Saturday Showdown,” a new broadcasting initiative that highlights the week’s premier matchup with enhanced production value, including exclusive sideline angles and mic’d-up player segments. Whether you are watching from Barcelona, Seoul, or New York, the broadcast promises a cinematic experience to match the star power on the field.

The Road to the 2026 World Cup

This season carries extra weight as it serves as the final lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in North America on June 11. The league will pause from May 25 to July 16 to accommodate the tournament. For players like Messi, Son, and Miami’s new signings, the first half of the MLS season is crucial for maintaining peak form before the global showcase. As the ball rolls tonight at the Coliseum, it signals not just the start of a new league campaign, but the beginning of the biggest summer in the history of the sport in North America.