This opening clash BMO Stadium sees Los Angeles FC host Inter Miami CF, a matchup that pits last season’s most prolific attack against one of MLS‘s stingiest defenses and the defending MLS Cup champions.
With Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in the Miami ranks and Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min leading the line for LAFC, this fixture is set up as a high-profile battle between star power and defensive discipline. Both teams finished third in their respective conferences in 2025, making this early 2026 showdown crucial for setting the tone in the new campaign.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on last season’s explosive attacking stats and the defensive records on both sides, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in “Both Teams to Score” due to Inter Miami’s offensive firepower and LAFC’s ability to find the net at home, despite their defensive edge.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Sportsbook | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score – Yes | -135 @ Bet365 (57.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Backing because Miami averaged 2.05 goals, LAFC 1.76 goals per game in 2025. |
| Lionel Messi to Score or Assist | -120 @ Bet365 (54.5%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Messi averaged 1.81 goal contributions per game last season. |
| LAFC to Win | +110 @ Bet365 (47.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Value here due to 2-1 head-to-head edge and 12 clean sheets last season. |
| Over 2.5 Total Goals | -140 @ Bet365 (58.3%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong trend shows 6 goals in last 2 H2H; Miami averaged 2.5+ goals/game in 2025. |
Our approach: Start with Both Teams to Score, add Messi to Score or Assist for parlay potential.
Odds correct at the time of writing.
Season Form & Standings
In the 2025 MLS Regular Season Standings, both LAFC (Western Conference) and Inter Miami (Eastern Conference) secured third place in their respective conferences. Inter Miami finished with 65 points and boasted the league’s most potent attack, while LAFC’s defensive strength saw them concede the second-fewest goals in the West. Both clubs advanced to the postseason, with Inter Miami going all the way to their first MLS Cup title, and LAFC knocked out before the final. Below are the full 2025 standings for each conference.
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami CF | 3 | 34 | 19 | 8 | 7 | 81 | 55 | +26 | 65 |
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles FC | 3 | 34 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 65 | 40 | +25 | 60 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF): Averaged 1.09 goals and 0.72 assists per 90 minutes in 2025. Registered 100 successful dribbles and created 36 big chances. The GOAT is still tearing it up.
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC): Notched 26 goals in 32 starts last season, with 98 successful dribbles and 49.0% shot accuracy.
- Luis Suárez (Inter Miami CF): Staying in Miami for another year, expected to link with Messi up front—track his shots on target market for value.
- Son Heung-min (LAFC): Contributed 12 goals and three assists in just 13 MLS appearances after joining from Tottenham midseason. A star of the league.
All stats refer to the 2025 MLS season.
Head-to-Head: Previous Meetings
Los Angeles FC have won three of their five all-time meetings with Inter Miami, but the Herons took the most recent clash in Florida back in April 2025, with Messi netting a brace in a 3-1 Concacaf Champions Cup victory.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 2023 | Los Angeles FC 1-3 Inter Miami CF | MLS |
| Mar 12, 2022 | Inter Miami CF 0-2 Los Angeles FC | MLS |
| Mar 1, 2020 | Los Angeles FC 1-0 Inter Miami CF | MLS |
Los Angeles FC vs Inter Miami CF Prediction
Will Inter Miami’s superstar, title-winning attack break down the LAFC defense, or does home field and the dual threat of Son and Bouanga tilt it to the hosts? With Messi in sensational form and both teams boasting top-three conference finishes last season, expect a fireworks-filled opener. Our top selection remains Both Teams to Score at -135 @ Bet365 (57.4%)—with so much attacking talent, neither back line is likely to keep a clean sheet.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
More MLS stats and standings: MLS standings 2026 | Top scorers | Assist leaders | Full MLS stats hub