Published Feb 18, 4:23am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 18, 4:23am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Feb 18, 4:23am ET
The MLS returns this weekend, and a standout clash will be staged on opening night, as LAFC host Inter Miami at Memorial Coliseum.
LAFC will be among the red-hot favorites to challenge for the MLS Cup this season, despite falling short when losing on penalties to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semi-finals in 2025.
All of the pressure this term will be on Inter Miami, as Lionel Messi’s side bid to successfully defend the title that they won for the first time last season.
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|---|---|
| LAFC | +109 |
| The Draw | +263 |
| Inter Miami | +225 |
Marc Dos Santos’ LAFC will be red-hot contenders in the Western Conference in 2026. Heung Min Son will be the team’s key player, as he begins his first full season with the franchise after netting 12 goals in the second half of the previous campaign.
The South Korean’s relationship with Denis Bouanga at the top of the field will likely determine their chances. The combination combined for a staggering 36 goals in 2025.
Tyler Boyd’s return is a major boost to squad depth, while Amin Boudri offers extra creativity from midfield. Frankie Amaya is the only notable departure, but the midfielder was largely a squad player during his season-long loan from Toluca.
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Inter Miami bid to make a successful defense of their MLS Cup in 2026, with Lionel Messi once again likely to be a key star ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer.
The Argentine superstar registered a staggering 29 goals last term. Notable incomings are headlined by German Berterame. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair is a smart addition, with the Canadian winning the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025.
However, the off-season has been more about notable departures, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets both retiring after winning the MLS Cup. Defenders Tomas Aviles and Marcelo Weigandt have also returned to their parent clubs after successful loan stints in Miami.
| TOTAL | LAFC | Inter Miami | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| Goals | 12 | 6 | 6 |
Two of the most talented MLS teams collide on opening night, but it could be a tricky evening for the new-look defending champions. LAFC will have a better experience of playing alongside each other, and that could be telling as they stretch their impressive record against Messi’s Inter Miami.
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LAFC
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