The 2026 Major League Soccer season kicked off with a bang as Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami squared off in a match that brought together two of the sport’s biggest global icons: Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi. The game, held on February 22 at the sprawling Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, was more than just an opening fixture—it was a spectacle that drew over 60,000 fans and signaled a new era for soccer in the United States.
Originally slated for LAFC’s usual home, BMO Stadium, the match was moved to the 77,000-seat Coliseum to accommodate the massive interest generated by the first-ever U.S. showdown between Son and Messi. It’s not every day that two legends of the game face off on American soil, and anticipation was sky-high. The buzz was palpable throughout Los Angeles, with fans eager to witness history in the making.
Son Heung-min, now 34 and fresh off a sensational debut season with LAFC, started as the center striker in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation. Flanked by Dénis Bouanga and David Martinez, Son was tasked with leading the attack, while the midfield trio of Marco Delgado, Timothy Tillman, and Stephen Eustáquio provided support. The back line featured Sergi Palencia, Nkosi Tafari, Ryan Porteous, and Eddie Segura, with former Tottenham and French national team star Hugo Lloris guarding the net.
Inter Miami, led by the ever-influential 39-year-old Lionel Messi, countered with a 4-2-3-1 setup. Messi slotted in as the attacking midfielder, orchestrating play behind striker Hermann Wertherame. The wings were patrolled by Terrasco Segovia and Matteo Silvetti, while Rodrigo de Paul and Yannick Bright anchored the midfield. The defense included Noah Allen, Michael, Maximiliano Falcon, and Ian Frey, with Dane St. Clare as the goalkeeper. Notably, Luis Suarez, another global superstar, started the match on the bench, adding even more intrigue to Miami’s lineup.
The early moments of the game saw LAFC seize the initiative. In just the 6th minute, Son Heung-min nearly opened his 2026 MLS account. After a clever dribble past the goalkeeper, Son found himself with a tight angle and opted for a selfless pass to Bouanga, whose shot was unfortunately denied by Miami’s alert keeper. The chance set the tone for LAFC’s aggressive approach and showcased Son’s vision and unselfishness.
Messi, meanwhile, was quick to remind everyone of his class. Linking up with Rodrigo de Paul, he probed LAFC’s defense with incisive one-twos, but the home side stood firm, repeatedly thwarting Miami’s advances. The battle between Son and Messi wasn’t just about goals; it was a chess match of movement, anticipation, and leadership, each player pushing his team forward in search of an opening.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute of the first half, and it was Son Heung-min who provided the spark. Picking up the ball in midfield, Son sliced through Miami’s defense with a perfectly weighted through pass to David Martinez, who timed his run to perfection and slotted the ball home. The Coliseum erupted as LAFC notched their first goal of the new season, and the assist marked yet another milestone in Son’s illustrious career. According to STARNEWS, "Son Heung-min helped Martinez score with a sharp through pass. Martinez dug into the back space and finished Son Heung-min's pass with a goal. It is LAFC's first goal this season."
For Son, this moment was the continuation of a red-hot run of form. Just days earlier, in the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round, he had dazzled with 1 goal and 3 assists in a 6-1 demolition of Honduran side Real España. In that match, Son’s creativity and finishing were on full display—he dribbled through defenders, won and converted a penalty, and set up teammates with pinpoint passes. Statistical outlets Foot Mob and Sofa Score awarded him ratings of 9.6 and 9.2, respectively, for his 39-minute masterclass.
Last season, Son’s arrival in Los Angeles sent shockwaves through MLS. In just 13 matches, he tallied 12 goals and 4 assists, propelling LAFC to 8 wins, 1 loss, and 4 draws. His offensive productivity per minute was second only to Messi, who continued to set the league’s gold standard. According to the official statistics, Son “ranked second overall in the league after Messi (68.9 minutes) in offensive point productivity per minute.”
On the other side, Messi’s impact on Inter Miami has been nothing short of transformative. Since his arrival, he’s led Miami to league championships, supporters’ shields, and individual accolades including two MVP awards and a golden boot. Off the pitch, his presence has boosted the club’s brand value and made Miami a destination for top global talent. As LAFC director Sorrington put it, "Miami’s influence on the league is remarkable. The scale of investment, the players they can sign—especially Argentine players and global talents who want to play with Messi—are clear attractions. They are actively leveraging these advantages." He added, "We are pursuing the same strategy in LA by signing players like Son Heung-min, Hugo Lloris, Dennis, and Carlos Vela. As competitors, no matter how high the standards are set, we will not only meet them but surpass them."
The head-to-head between Son and Messi on American soil was a long-awaited rematch. The two had previously clashed twice in Europe during the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League group stage—Son then with Tottenham Hotspur, Messi with Barcelona. In their first encounter, Son recorded an assist while Messi bagged a brace. The second meeting saw both start but neither register an offensive point. This latest chapter, however, had a distinctly American flavor, with both stars now central to the MLS’s growing global appeal.
The lead-up to the match was not without drama. Messi had been sidelined with a lower body muscle injury and only returned to training on February 18, just days before kickoff. According to the official MLS channel, "Messi has been resting recently due to a muscle injury in his lower body, but he returned to team training on the 18th and was ready to start." Fans and pundits alike wondered if the Argentine maestro would be fit enough for such a high-profile clash, but his presence in the starting lineup put those doubts to rest.
The match’s significance extended far beyond the final score. It was a showcase of MLS’s evolution, a testament to the league’s ability to attract and nurture world-class talent. Forbes’ MLS Club Valuation ranked LAFC second overall, a nod to the club’s ambition and the impact of marquee signings like Son Heung-min. The decision to move the game to the Coliseum, and the resulting turnout of over 60,000 fans, underscored the growing appetite for top-tier soccer in the United States.
As the first half ended with LAFC leading thanks to Son’s assist, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. Both teams pressed for more, with Messi orchestrating Miami’s attacks and Son continuing to menace the opposition with his pace and creativity. With the match still in progress, the world watched as two legends wrote a new chapter in MLS history.
Whatever the final outcome, this opening-day clash already stands as a milestone for American soccer—a testament to the league’s rising stature and the enduring brilliance of Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi. Fans can only hope for more moments like this as the season unfolds.