How to watch LAFC - Inter Miami on Apple TV: Time, date, streaming platform

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami heads into the new Major League Soccer campaign as the favorite for MLS Cup success in 2026, as 30 teams in the U.S. and Canada prepare for this weekend’s season kickoff. Having lifted its first ever league title in 2025, beating Vancouver Whitecaps in December’s MLS Cup final, Miami begins its championship defense with a blockbuster matchup against Son Heung-min’s LAFC.

Although there had been recent doubts about Messi’s availability for the “MLS Is Back” weekend - the World Cup winner has been troubled by a muscle injury - he handed Miami a major boost when he rejoined full training on Wednesday.

How to watch Inter Miami take on LAFC

Viewers in the United States - and in more than 100 countries worldwide - can watch every MLS game this season on the streaming platform Apple TV. The LAFC - Inter Miami clash will kick off at 9:30pm (ET) / 6:30pm (PT) on Saturday, February 21.

Unlike previous seasons, there is no additional pass required for your Apple TV subscription. That includes both the regular season and the MLS playoffs, which typically run from late October to early December.

Apple TV will also be showing the MLS All-Star game, the Leagues Cup and the Campeones Cup. A subscription to Apple TV costs $12.99 per month in the U.S., after a seven-day free trial.

Which “MLS Is Back” games are on Fox?

In the States, some MLS games will also air on Fox, Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes in 2026. The broadcaster says it has the rights to 34 regular-season games and will show “select” playoff ties, as well as the MLS Cup final.

As part of the “MLS Is Back” weekend, Fox will broadcast Cincinnati vs Atlanta, with Seattle vs Colorado on Fox Sports 1 (both will be available in Spanish on Fox Deportes). You can stream Fox channels on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial.

The favorites for MLS Cup glory

Miami (+450) and LAFC (+600) are the two frontrunners in the preseason MLS betting - just ahead of 2025 runner-up Vancouver (+900), which commences its campaign with a home clash against Real Salt Lake.

This weekend’s slate of season openers also includes a Los Angeles matchup between the Galaxy - holder of an unmatched six MLS titles - and 2021 winner New York City.

Elsewhere in MLS, Houston is set to welcome back Héctor Herrera for his second MLS debut, having re-signed the Mexican last month - just over a year after he ended a three-season stint in Texas. (It appears Herrera’s availability is not affected by the three-game ban he earned at the very end of his first spell in Houston, as he served this suspension in Liga MX with former club Toluca.)

The Dynamo host Chicago Fire on Saturday evening, at the same time as James Rodríguez’s Minnesota United is also in action in the Lone Star State, against Austin. However, it seems unlikely James will be fit to start for his new team, albeit a debut off the bench is possible. Also on Saturday night, the San Jose Earthquakes welcome Kansas City to California, fresh from signing up Champions League winner Timo Werner until 2028.

Related stories

Concacaf Champions Cup

LA Galaxy stumble then strike

Soccer

Messi's bumper Miami contract

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.