Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF kicked off their 2026 MLS season against LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 22, 2026. The match, broadcast exclusively on Apple TV, marked the first competitive game of the year for both teams. LAFC entered the season with high expectations after their 2025 MLS Cup victory, while Inter Miami aimed to build on their previous campaign's success.

David Martínez opened the scoring in the 37th minute, giving LAFC an early advantage. The match remained tightly contested throughout, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Rodrigo De Paul earned a free kick in the 54th minute, showcasing Inter Miami's determination to equalize. The game's possession statistics showed LAFC controlling 65.6% of the ball compared to Inter Miami's 34.4%.

The match featured several key substitutions, including Stephen Eustáquio coming on for LAFC and Maximiliano Falcón entering for Inter Miami. While the final score is not available in the provided data, the game set the tone for what promises to be an exciting MLS season. Both teams will look to build momentum from this opening fixture as they pursue their respective goals for the 2026 campaign.