The first showdown between Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) and Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami) is drawing widespread attention.
The MLS office announced on the 27th that the LAFC vs. Inter Miami first-round match of the 2026 season, scheduled for Feb. 21, will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum instead of the usual BMO Stadium.
The matchup of the two superstars arranged for the 2026 MLS season opener is receiving high expectations from fans. Considering the enormous box-office appeal, the MLS office prepared an unprecedented event by expanding the venue to a mega stadium.
BMO Stadium, LAFC's home ground, has a capacity of about 22,000. By contrast, the Coliseum can accommodate up to 77,000 spectators. The season opener between Son Heung-min and Messi is likely to draw the largest crowd in MLS history.
Messi has been the driving force behind MLS's explosive rise in popularity since joining Inter Miami in 2023. Son Heung-min also became another symbol of North American soccer after transferring to LAFC last summer and setting the league's record transfer fee. This match between two global stars carries great historical significance as the first generational showdown to take place in North America.
The Memorial Coliseum hosting this match was the venue for the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. It is an iconic U.S. sports venue also scheduled to host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Although the Coliseum has held numerous soccer matches such as Gold Cup and national team friendlies, this will be the first time an MLS match is played there.
The organizers plan to mark the MLS season opener as a symbolic event while drawing the maximum possible crowd through this venue change. The historic showdown between Son Heung-min and Messi is expected to be a once-in-a-lifetime match that will be remembered in North American soccer history.
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