LAFC forward Son Heung-min expresses strong interest in facing Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer’s (MLS) highly anticipated 2026 season opener against Inter Miami.
Stadium Shift to Accommodate Massive Crowds
MLS officials announced that the LAFC versus Inter Miami Round 1 matchup, originally set for BMO Stadium, will now take place at the Rose Bowl Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on February 21. The venue change aims to handle an expected crowd of up to 70,700 spectators, far exceeding BMO Stadium’s capacity of around 22,000.
This marks the first time a single MLS regular-season game heads to the iconic Rose Bowl, highlighting the league’s push to capitalize on the star power of Son Heung-min, 34, and Lionel Messi, 39.
Record-Breaking Attendance Anticipated
League organizers project a turnout surpassing previous benchmarks, driven by the rare Son-Messi individual showdown. A 2023 LA Galaxy-LAFC derby at the Rose Bowl drew a record 82,110 fans, setting a high bar for this fixture.
City officials anticipate 70,000 attendees, underscoring the event’s potential as one of MLS’s biggest draws.
LAFC Leverages Hype for Season Tickets
LAFC views the matchup as a prime opportunity to boost fan engagement. The club confirmed it will exclude preseason ticket sales for Son to prioritize regular-season commitments.
“Son Heung-min has participated in every MLS regular-season game and match, serving as captain for the national team that shone at the FIFA World Cup,” LAFC stated. “Many fans require confidence in their season ticket investments.”
The club intensified season ticket promotions following this decision, framing it as a key incentive for supporters.
For Son, this represents his first on-field encounter with Messi as a Korean player, generating significant excitement ahead of the home fixture.
