The 31st edition of the Major League Soccer (MLS) kicked off in style last Saturday, Feb. 21, and MLS Cup holders Inter Miami crashed to a humiliating defeat on its opening day. And, a supercomputer has predicted Lionel Messi’s side will concede their crown this year.
Inter Miami Receive Jarring 2026 MLS Cup Prediction
Inter Miami, who defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the 2025 MLS Cup final, faced quite a tough time during their trip to the LA Memorial Coliseum earlier on Saturday. They lost 3-0 to Los Angeles FC (LAFC), who scored goals from Denis Bouanga, Nathan Ordaz, and David Martinez in their return to domestic league action.
Now, according to Opta Analyst, LAFC have better odds than the Messi-captained side to lift the sought-after title in December this year. Heung-min Son’s team has a 15.86% chance of winning its second championship in 2026, after its first in 2022.
The Miami-based club is the second favorite to regain its crown, with the supercomputer’s predictions at 14.88%. They are followed by Seattle Sounders (12.20%) and last edition’s finalists, Vancouver Whitecaps (8.32%), in the Opta Analyst’s recently updated list.
Messi’s side will attempt to rectify their mistakes in their upcoming friendly contest against Independiente del Valle. They will lock horns with the Ecuadorian champions this Thursday, Feb. 26, in a delayed encounter, originally scheduled prior to the 2026 season.
After facing Independiente del Valle, Inter Miami will resume domestic action against Orlando City, who are at 2.24%, at the Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, Mar. 1.
On the other hand, MLS commissioner Don Garber has suggested that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could increase the American league’s popularity worldwide.
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“This is a massive year for the MLS and a seminal moment for soccer, not just in the United States but throughout North America. We hope that some of (the World Cup) drama, some of that appeal and history, could rub off and create a lasting legacy,” he told Reuters.
“You know, we’re entering our 31st year. That’s not an overnight sensation but certainly not around the 100 years the other leagues are around. Our best days, our best years, are still ahead. I think we’ll earn the trust and respect of the (soccer) fans, like we have earned the trust and respect of great players, the best player in history,” Garber concluded.
The MLS will take a seven-week break this summer as the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from Jun. 11 to Jul. 19 in the host nations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
