Inter Miami CF news

MLS’s opening weekend delivered surprise results and standout performances - but also plenty of drama and controversy, even from its biggest star, Lionel Messi.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims that Lionel Messi refused to greet him when both men attended the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Argentine icon Messi was, on the back of his World Cup triumph with Argentina, the star of the show that night as he collected a record-extending eighth Golden Ball. He had no desire to meet up with a familiar face from Camp Nou.

Ex-USMNT and MLS star Tab Ramos has told GOAL that a stunning transfer which unites Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at Inter Miami could happen, but has explained why said switch could become a “mess”. A remarkable switch to the United States for Portuguese icon CR7 has been mooted on the back of strike action that he recently took in the Saudi Pro League.

MLS has determined Lionel Messi did not breach league policy following an internal review of an incident that sparked speculation after Inter Miami’s season opener against LAFC. A video circulating on social media appeared to show Messi entering the referees’ locker room area, but MLS and the Professional Referee Organization confirmed the space was not restricted and that Messi did not access the officials’ premises.

Inter Miami are reportedly interested in signing Casemiro when he leaves Manchester United at the end of the season. The Brazil international has announced that he is will depart Old Trafford upon the expiration of his contract in June, and Miami are said to be interested in recruiting him as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets, and new right-hand man of Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was spotted being restrained by team-mate Luis Suarez after the team's 3-0 defeat to LAFC on Saturday in their MLS season opener. Goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz secured an emphatic win and made it a miserable start to the season for The Herons. Messi appeared furious after the final whistle and Suarez was seen seemingly attempting to calm him down as they both made their way down the tunnel.

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami came into the 2026 season with a ton of new shiny toys, but it was a familiar LAFC who dominated in their season opener - crushing the Herons in a 3-0 rout in front of an MLS-record opening day crowd of 75,673 at LA Memorial Coliseum. Denis Bouanga sparked an impressive performance for the Black and Gold, with an impressive goal and assist in the second half.

Lionel Messi was unable to make an impact and Inter Miami were poor defensively as they dropped the first game of the season to LAFC, 3-0. The Herons never really got into the game, and were undone by three clinical counterattacks by the home side - who showed that they just might be serious challengers for MLS Cup this year.

How to watch the Major League Soccer match between Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami CF, as well as kick-off time and team news

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has spoken of his desire to bring Lionel Messi back to the club to give him a proper farewell. The Argentine legend left Camp Nou in sad circumstances back in 2021, with the Catalan giants unable to agree a new contract due to financial constraints. He left for Paris Saint-Germain and currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

After a record MLS playoff run, Tadeo Allende opens up on Messi’s leadership, new competition from Berterame, and why he committed his future to Inter Miami.

The MLS season will kick off Saturday, with Inter Miami clear favorites but plenty of other teams looking to make a splash.

GOAL surveyed players across MLS for the 2026 season on a number of topics, with some surprising responses