LAFC vs. Inter Miami live stream: How to watch Lionel Messi as reigning MLS champs hit the road in opener
CBS Sports
by
Chuck Booth
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Inter Miami enter the new MLS season as reigning champions, with Lionel Messi leading the team after claiming their second consecutive title and his MVP award. The club is on a new trajectory, moving into Miami Freedom Park and relying on strategic signings like Sergio Reguillon and German Berterame to bolster their roster despite the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. With $6.48 million in General Allocation Money, Inter Miami can flexibly manage salaries under the MLS cap, enabling them to compete with bigger spenders like Los Angeles Dodgers in other sports.
The Herons’ ability to attract top talent, combined with Messi’s global appeal, positions them as a potential new dynasty. Their opener against LAFC on February 21 features two teams benefiting from Club World Cup participation, which has injected additional funds into their allocation budgets. LAFC, featuring stars like Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, aims to challenge Inter Miami in what promises to be an electrifying matchup.
This season also highlights the importance of financial strategies in MLS. Inter Miami’s use of allocation money and recruitment tactics sets a high bar for other teams. The league must ensure parity by encouraging more clubs to invest similarly, particularly with the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. looming as an opportunity for further growth. For sports fans, this season offers insight into how MLS can evolve into a globally competitive force, blending financial innovation with talent acquisition to elevate the game.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/21/2026