Los Angeles vs Inter Miami – News and Probable Lineups

The 2026 MLS season kicks off this weekend, with Los Angeles FC set to host Inter Miami at BMO Stadium on Sunday, February 22.

As both clubs belong to different conferences, they haven’t faced each other during the regular season, making this first match an exciting one to anticipate.

Match overview

LAFC’s last season concluded in the MLS Cup quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Vancouver Whitecaps in a dramatic penalty shootout following a tense 120 minutes.

This match was also the final game for former head coach Steve Cherundolo before he moved to Germany.

Taking the helm this season is Cherundolo’s assistant, Marc Dos Santos.

The Black and Gold have enjoyed a promising start under Dos Santos, having overwhelmed Real Espana with a score of 6-1 in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Historically, LAFC has a solid record against Inter Miami, winning three out of their last five encounters, which includes the last Champions Cup meeting.

As Miami is not particularly strong away from home in MLS, this opening match provides LAFC with an excellent opportunity to gain an advantage over the defending champions.

Javier Mascherano, the head coach of Inter Miami, accomplished his goal of bringing the club its first MLS Cup last season.

The Herons have now clinched back-to-back titles, which will only fuel their ambition for further trophies this season. However, they need to start their MLS campaign positively this weekend.

The visitors will begin their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign on March 11, granting them a longer break than their hosts.

Miami’s pre-season has been rocky, as they have registered three varied outcomes leading up to the start of the regular season.

The team has struggled when playing away, winning only three of their last six matches on the road, with two losses included in that stretch.

Team News

Dos Santos, who previously worked under Cherundolo, recognizes that his prime chances for success in this match rest with Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga.

Last season, the former Tottenham Hotspur captain netted 12 goals and provided four assists in just 13 appearances, earning him the 2025 Goal of the Year award.

The synergy between Son and Bouanga was a highlight last season, as the Gabão international distinguished himself by becoming the first player in MLS to score over 20 goals in three consecutive years, making the duo vital for attacking creativity.

Stephen Eustaquio, a Canadian international, joined from FC Porto and made quite an impression in LAFC’s recent encounter against Real Espana.

In terms of injuries, Aaron Long is still recovering from his Achilles tendon issue, while midfielder Igor Jesus is dealing with a knee complaint.

Lionel Messi is uncertain for the opening match due to a hamstring strain; however, he has returned to training, which is encouraging for the visitors.

Inter Miami also lost Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to retirement, while they secured the full transfer of Rodrigo De Paul and striker German Berterame from Mexican team CF Monterrey.

This trio will act as Inter’s Designated Players for the season, upholding the high expectations set for this ensemble.

The defending champions mutually parted ways with Oscar Ustari, while 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St Clair was acquired from Minnesota United on a free transfer.

New Spanish left-back, Sergio Reguilon, is doubtful for the initial match after sustaining a knee sprain during pre-season.

Los Angeles FC probable starting XI:

Lloris; Palencia, Porteous, Tafari, Hollingshead; Eustaquio, Delgado, Tillman; Martinez, Bouanga, Son

Inter Miami probable starting XI:

St.Clair; Fray, Falcon, Micael, Allen; Ayala, De Paul; Allende, Messi, Silvetti; Berterame