Inter Miami are set to usher in a bold new era in Major League Soccer (MLS) as they prepare to open their long-awaited home—Miami Freedom Park—and fittingly, the first-ever match at the venue will feature none other than Lionel Messi. The state-of-the-art stadium will make its debut on 4 April, when Inter Miami host Austin FC, as confirmed in the 2026 MLS schedule released on Thursday.
The opening marks a turning point for the Florida-based club, who have spent recent seasons playing in temporary facilities while their dream venue was under construction. With a seating capacity of 25,000, advanced fan amenities and an ambitious long-term development plan around the venue, Miami Freedom Park aims to become one of the most vibrant football destinations in North America.
A Packed 2026 MLS Season Ahead
The 2026 MLS regular season kicks off on 21 February, with a total of 510 matches scheduled across the campaign. Each team will play 34 matches, with the league phase concluding on 7 November.
Table: Key Dates for MLS 2026 Season
| Event | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| Season Starts | 21 February |
| Total Matches | 510 |
| Matches per Team | 34 |
| Mid-Season Break | 25 May – 16 July |
| FIFA World Cup Final | 19 July |
| League Resumes | 16 July |
| MLS All-Star Game | 29 July |
| League Phase Ends | 7 November |
| Play-offs Begin | After November FIFA window |
The long mid-season pause from 25 May to 16 July comes due to the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States. MLS will resume play just three days before the World Cup final.
Messi to Open the Season Against Son Heung-min’s LAFC
The opening day of the MLS season will feature 13 matches, including a blockbuster encounter as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami take on Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC. This much-anticipated clash will take place at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, setting the tone for a star-studded season.
Inter Miami’s Early Season Travels
Before stepping into their brand-new home stadium in April, Inter Miami will travel extensively in March, with visits to:
Orlando City
DC United
Charlotte FC
New York City FC
These fixtures will serve as crucial preparation before their grand homecoming at Miami Freedom Park.
Post-World Cup Restart: Heavy Fixtures and Rivalries
When the league resumes on 16 July, four exciting matches will headline the return:
Montreal vs Toronto
Chicago vs Vancouver
St Louis vs Kansas City
Seattle vs Portland
The following day features two major clashes:
Nashville vs Atlanta
LAFC vs LA Galaxy
These fixtures are expected to shape the second half of the season significantly.
All-Star Game and Play-offs
This year’s MLS All-Star Match will be held on 29 July in Charlotte.
After the conclusion of the regular season in November, no matches will be held during the FIFA international window. Straight afterward, the drama of the MLS Play-offs will begin, leading to the crowning of the league champion.
Inter Miami’s new beginning, coupled with Messi’s presence, makes the 2026 season one of the most anticipated in MLS history—and Miami Freedom Park looks set to become the epicentre of a football revolution in the United States.