The MLS 2026 season kicks off today with LAFC taking on Inter Miami at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Lionel Messi’s availability was a question heading into the game, and manager Javier Mascherano has now provided an update.
Lionel Messi-Led Inter Miami Take On LAFC in MLS Season Opener
Messi picked up a hamstring injury in Inter Miami’s preseason clash against Barcelona SC, coming off before the hour mark. He needed time to recover, so the MLS Cup champions canceled their final preseason game against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico and postponed it to next week, after the regular season started.
Speaking to the media ahead of the season opener against LAFC, Mascherano provided an update on Messi. The Argentine coach had good news for the fans worldwide, revealing that the Argentine was training well and was on par with his teammates in terms of fitness.
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“Messi is fine; he’s been training at the same level as the rest of the team all week. He’s been doing well and has had very positive feelings. So, he’s going away well prepared, just like the rest of the team.”
The Florida-based side goes into the season as the reigning champions and will have a massive target on their backs. Mascherano has admitted that they will have it tough from the very start.
LAFC finished third in the Western Conference last season, coming just three points behind San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps in the table. The Inter Miami coach believes his side and their opening day opponents will be contenders this season and said:
“It’s clear, though, that they are two great teams, and of course, given the caliber of their players and what they represent in the league, they are two teams that, on paper, should be contenders.”
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“You always imagine the ideal game, and the ideal game for us would be the complete opposite of that, a back-and-forth affair. It would be about controlling the game, having long spells of possession, and preventing Los Angeles from making transitions because they need to get forward quickly.”
Inter Miami has bolstered its squad, which saw Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retire after the 2025 season. They have added Germain Berterame, David Ayala, Tadeo Allende, Rocca Rios Novo, Dayne St. Clair, Facundo Mura, Luis Barraza, and Sergio Reguilon.
Mascherano’s side has also signed Rodrigo De Paul permanently after loaning him last season, and brought in Micael from Palmaras on a season-long loan.
