LAFC Clash with Messi's Inter Miami: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
A mere 78 days following their MLS Cup triumph in Fort Lauderdale's sweltering December conditions, Inter Miami launch the 2026 MLS campaign with a showdown against formidable opponents LAFC.
Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, Germán Berterame, Stephen Eustáquio and Denis Bouanga will serve as the marquee draws for the anticipated 70,000 supporters set to pack the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
For Miami, 2026 represents defending their MLS Cup title and pursuing additional silverware, including the Concacaf Champions Cup. For LAFC, attention centers on continued development under new head coach Marc Dos Santos, while also pursuing similar championship goals across all tournaments.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview to the marquee fixture of MLS opening weekend.
What Time Does LAFC vs. Inter Miami Kick Off?
What Time Does LAFC vs. Inter Miami Kick Off?
LAFC vs. Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Results)
LAFC vs. Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Results)
Current Form (All Competitions inc. friendlies)
Current Form (All Competitions inc. friendlies)
LAFC (WDWDW) | Inter Miami (DWLWW) |
|---|---|
Real España 1–6 LAFC (Concacaf Champions Cup) | Barcelona SC 2–2 Inter Miami |
LAFC 1–1 NYCFC (Friendly) | Atlético Nacional 1–2 Inter Miami |
LAFC 3-0. San Jose Earthquakes (Closed-Door Friendly) | Alianza Lima 3–0 Inter Miami |
LAFC 2–2 Portland Timbers (Friendly) | Inter Miami 3–1 Vancouver Whitecaps |
LAFC 1–0 Orange County FC (Friendly) | Inter Miami 5–1 New York City FC |
How to Watch LAFC vs. Inter Miami on TV
How to Watch LAFC vs. Inter Miami on TV
Country | Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
Worldwide | MLS on Apple TV |
LAFC Team News
LAFC Team News
LAFC is again anticipated to rank among MLS' elite squads in 2026, especially as they'll benefit from a complete campaign with Son. He recorded 16 goals and assists in merely 13 appearances after his summer 2025 transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, and his partnership with Bouanga has potential for even greater success.
The Black and Gold have already engaged in competitive play, demolishing Honduran club Real España 6–1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and they're likely to deploy a comparable squad against Miami as Dos Santos chose to field his strongest lineup to establish dominance.
David Martínez is expected to join Son and Bouanga in an attacking trio, with Eustáquio, Mark Delgado and USMNT international Tim Tillman controlling the midfield.
LAFC will miss center back Aaron Long, who remains recovering from an Achilles' tendon injury, and recent acquisition Jacob Shaffelburg—he's rehabilitating from hernia surgery.
LAFC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
LAFC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
LAFC expected lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Palencia, Porteous, Tafari, Hollingshead; Eustáquio, Delgado; Martínez, Tillman, Bouanga; Son.
Inter Miami Team News
Inter Miami Team News
Inter Miami's foundation has been disrupted by the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, and there may be at least four new starters compared to the squad that defeated Vancouver to claim the 2025 MLS Cup championship.
A significant discussion point approaching the season opener concerns Messi's availability, who begins his third complete MLS campaign after securing consecutive league MVP honors and the 2025 MLS Golden Boot. The 38-year-old sustained a hamstring injury during Miami's final preseason match against Ecuador's Barcelona SC and was initially questionable for the opener.
Nevertheless, he resumed training on Wednesday and is anticipated to be ready for the Los Angeles trip. His level of participation remains uncertain.
Miami will be unable to utilize new fullback Sergio Reguilón, who suffered a knee injury in their opening preseason match and faces an indefinite absence, but may debut 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair, center back Micael, central midfielder David Ayala and Berterame, who joined from Monterrey to spearhead the attack.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. LAFC
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. LAFC
Inter Miami expected lineup vs. LAFC (4-2-3-1): St. Clair; Fray, Falcón, Micael, Allen; Ayala, De Paul; Allende, Messi, Silvetti, Berterame.
LAFC vs. Inter Miami Score Prediction
LAFC vs. Inter Miami Score Prediction
The season's inaugural match invariably produces errors for any club and even squads as talented as LAFC and Miami are prone to commit several themselves. While Miami possesses Messi and the enthusiasm of returning after capturing MLS Cup, the extensive travel and inconsistent preseason performances may already be showing effects.
Considering these factors and LAFC's morale-boosting Champions Cup victory midweek to hone their competitive edge, the opening encounter could favor the Western Conference powerhouse.