Son vs. Messi: 77,000 Fans Await Epic MLS Season Opener in Los Angeles
The soccer world is turning its eyes to Los Angeles this weekend as two of the game’s greatest icons, Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi, prepare for a historic head-to-head clash. Son’s LAFC and Messi’s Inter Miami CF are set to kick off the 2026 MLS Season this Saturday, February 21st, in what is already being hailed as the “Match of the Century” in Major League Soccer.
Venue Shift: From BMO Stadium to the Historic Coliseum
In anticipation of unprecedented ticket demand, the MLS front office made the strategic decision to move the match from LAFC’s 22,000-seat BMO Stadium to the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The Coliseum, primarily the home of USC Trojans football, can accommodate over 77,500 spectators—nearly triple the capacity of LAFC’s regular home turf. This change ensures that the “Son-Messi Derby” will be played in an atmosphere befitting its global scale. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 PM PT.
A Rare Reunion on American Soil
While both players have dominated their respective leagues for years, this marks their first-ever encounter in the MLS. Their previous on-field meetings date back to the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League group stage, when Son was with Tottenham Hotspur and Messi was at FC Barcelona.
A potential matchup during last season’s MLS Cup Playoffs fell through after LAFC’s unexpected exit in the quarterfinals against the Vancouver Whitecaps, making this season opener a long-awaited realization for soccer fans in North America.
Player Form: Son on Fire, Messi on the Mend
Son Heung-min enters the season in peak physical condition. Just days ago, on February 17th, Son led LAFC to a dominant 6-1 victory over Honduras’ Real España in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. He put on a masterclass performance, racking up one goal and three assists in the first half alone.
On the other side, there were initial concerns regarding Lionel Messi’s availability due to a left hamstring strain suffered during Inter Miami’s pre-season tour. However, spirits are high in the Miami camp as Messi was spotted returning to full training on February 18th.
“Lionel Messi is highly likely to travel with the squad to Los Angeles,” reported Sports Illustrated. “His return to training ahead of such a high-profile match is a significant positive indicator for Inter Miami.”
Unless there are any last-minute setbacks, fans can expect the legendary No. 10 to lead the Herons onto the pitch this Saturday.
The Cultural Impact of the ‘Son-Messi’ Era
The arrival of world-class talent like Son and Messi has transformed the MLS into a global powerhouse. This match isn’t just a season opener; it represents the league’s growth into a premier destination for elite athletes. With 77,000 fans expected to pack the Coliseum, the energy in Downtown LA is reaching a fever pitch, signaling a new golden era for American soccer.
